The Effect of Wellness Programs on Long-Term Contract Employees' Workplace Stress, Absenteeism, and Presenteeism

The quasi-experimental study reported in the present article is aimed at increasing the understanding of the effects of long-term contract employees participating in wellness programs. The reported study examines the effect (if any) that a wellness program has on workplace stress, absenteeism, and presenteeism for long-term contract employees participating in a wellness program. A one group pretest-posttest design was used. Convenience sampling was conducted in a hospital in the New York City Metro area. Data was collected from 19 participants. Paired sample t-test and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine if there was a significant statistical difference before and after a dance aerobic exercise intervention. The instruments used to gather data were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the World Health Organization Health Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). The results indicated a statistical difference for workplace stress, but no statistical difference for absenteeism and presenteeism.

The Wellness Program for Physical Fitness and Decreasing Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Indonesia is currently facing a double burden of disease. The high rate of communicable diseases has been followed by high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, heart disease, cancer and diabetes mellitus. This study aims to produce a holistic approach model in the form of a Wellness Program in an effort to improve physical fitness and decrease of metabolic syndrome for civil servants. This study was designed with an experimental design. Subjects were members of civil servants in Klungkung Regency, Indonesia who have one or more of syndrome metabolic risk. Subjects were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group is a group that is given a wellness program model in the form of physical exercise according to the rules of frequency, intensity and duration, balanced nutrition education and smoking behavior control. The results show a significant increase in nutritional knowledge (p<0.05), the implementation of physical activity rules with a frequency of 3-5 x/week in 78%, duration 20-60 minutes in 76% of light-moderate exercise, decreased smoking habit significantly p=0.042 (p<0.05), increased physical fitness with VO2max value 29.28 + 7.68 (treatment group) vs 24.28 + 5.91 (control group) with p<0, 05, decreasing of blood sugar was 118.08 + 35.81 mg/dl (treatment group ) vs. 124 + 42.22 mg/dl with p value = 0.001 (p <0.05) with t- independent test. Meanwhile, the risk factor variables for the metabolic syndrome (obesity, cholesterol and blood pressure) showed a decrease but were not significantly different.

The Wellness Program for Physical Fitness and Decreasing Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Indonesia is currently facing a double burden of disease. The high rate of communicable diseases has been followed by high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, heart disease, cancer and diabetes mellitus. This study aims to produce a holistic approach model in the form of a Wellness Program in an effort to improve physical fitness and decrease of metabolic syndrome for civil servants. This study was designed with an experimental design. Subjects were members of civil servants in Klungkung Regency, Indonesia who have one or more of syndrome metabolic risk. Subjects were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group is a group that is given a wellness program model in the form of physical exercise according to the rules of frequency, intensity and duration, balanced nutrition education and smoking behavior control. The results show a significant increase in nutritional knowledge (p&lt;0.05), the implementation of physical activity rules with a frequency of 3-5 x/week in 78%, duration 20-60 minutes in 76% of light-moderate exercise, decreased smoking habit significantly p=0.042 (p&lt;0.05), increased physical fitness with VO2max value 29.28 + 7.68 (treatment group) vs 24.28 + 5.91 (control group) with p&lt;0, 05, decreasing of blood sugar was 118.08 + 35.81 mg/dl (treatment group ) vs. 124 + 42.22 mg/dl with p value = 0.001 (p &lt;0.05) with t- independent test. Meanwhile, the risk factor variables for the metabolic syndrome (obesity, cholesterol and blood pressure) showed a decrease but were not significantly different.

Implementation and evaluation of Employee Health and Wellness Program using RE-AIM framework

PurposeThe study describes the design, implementation and evaluation of an employer-sponsored health screening program – Employee Health and Wellness Program (EHWP) – in an academic healthcare system in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachOne year after implementation, RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) framework was used to evaluate and report participant- and organizational-level indicators of success.FindingsOf the 5,286 invited employees, 4,523 (86%) completed blood work and 1809 (34%) completed health risk assessment (reach). Of the 915 (51%) who required referrals, 3% were referred for new diagnoses of diabetes, hepatitis C or severe anemia; 63% for elevated 10-year risk of cardiometabolic diseases (cardiovascular disease and diabetes); and 25% for counseling for depression, obesity or smoking cessation (effectiveness). Employees' barriers to enrollment were explored (adoption). While institutional costs were considered nominal (USD 20/employee), organizational barriers were identified (implementation). Finally, 97% of users reported interest in enrollment if EHWP was offered again (maintenance).Originality/valueIn a country with minimal focus on adult preventive care, the study reports the impact of an employer-offered wellness program that identified new risk factors and offered a referral for ongoing care. Employees reported a positive experience and were willing to re-enroll. Using the RE-AIM framework, the study has defined indicators in the real-world setting that can be used effectively by other institutions to start such a program.

Evaluation of a Web-Based Wellness Program to Reduce Loneliness Among Older Adults

Background Loneliness has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality risk. Interventions aimed at addressing maladaptive social cognition have documented efficacy in reducing loneliness among older adults. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a web-based wellness program in reducing loneliness and improving psychosocial health among older adults with an AARP® Medicare Supplement plan insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. Methods Eligible individuals were 65 years and older, who self-identified as lonely on a prior survey, and indicated that they had access to the internet through a computer or smartphone. Participants completed up to eight online modules comprised of a short lesson on an aspect of maladaptive social cognition, followed by a comprehension quiz, selection of a short-term goal, and a phone or text chat with a program coach. Four surveys were administered to assess the effects of program participation: (1) prior to the start of the program, (2) after completion of four online modules, (3) after completion of all eight modules, and (4) 30-60 days later. Results Attrition was high. Overall, 220 (42%) program participants completed both T1/T2 surveys, 193 also completed a T3 survey, and 177 also completed a T4 survey. Post-survey data indicated that loneliness and perceived stress decreased while mental wellbeing, resilience, and perception of aging improved. Conclusion Digital interventions aimed at addressing maladaptive social cognition offer potential to reach lonely older adults and support psychosocial wellbeing through reduced loneliness.

Fit for the Next Fifty Exercise Program: 25 Years of Reflections, Results, and Partnerships

Consistent exercise provides a multitude of physical, social, and emotional benefits. Common barriers to regular exercise for older adults include time, transportation, risk of injury, existing limitations, and negative experiences or attitudes about exercise. Fit for the Next Fifty is a comprehensive exercise and wellness program designed to address barriers and excuses. The program , based in CNY, has an impressive 25 year history of providing a unique mix of aerobic, strength training, yoga, and balance-based ballet. Participants (100-120) attend up to 5 classes per week at no charge during summer months and continue through winter months for a small fee. Developing and sustaining funding partnerships has been critical to the long-term success of Fit for the Next Fifty. Participants, ages 60-96, are active providers of feedback and suggestions, a key component to keeping the music, movements, and fellowship enjoyable and meaningful for over two decades. Program details, participant pictures and testimonials, research results, surveys across the years, and partnering/funding strategies provided. Of special interest is the social support dimension of the program. Participants have developed a sophisticated network to support each other outside of the exercise and wellness programs provided by Fit for the Next Fifty.

Case law: Learning tools for organizations

Purpose In this paper, we examine the use of court cases as learning tools for organizations, drawing upon a case involving a workplace wellness program. The study measures employee perceptions and provides an insight into employee beliefs about wellness plan programming. Practical insights for organizations wanting to incorporate court cases into organizational learning are provided. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study was conducted via Amazon Mechanical Turk survey data (n= 396). We asked participants about their levels of trust in employer-sponsored wellness programs, their understanding of wellness program parameters and limitations, and their perceptions of liability by utilizing the 2017 Whitman v. Interactive Health Solutions court case. Findings The results of this study show that, although employees may not fully understand their employer-sponsored wellness programs, they have a high degree of trust in their employers. Additionally, employees have strong beliefs about potential employer and third-party vendor liability when unintended consequences related to wellness plan programming occur. Originality/value This study adds to the small, but growing body of research focused on wellness programming in the workplace. Additionally, by measuring employee perceptions of this court case, we discovered a unique approach to problem-based learning.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE PHYSICAL AND HEALTH PROGRAM ON THE SOMATIC HEALTH OF MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN THE TRAINING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

The article reveals the problem of improving the somatic health of children with complex developmental disorders through the use of physical culture and health program in the training and rehabilitation center. The purpose of the work is to substantiate the impact of physical culture and wellness program for middle school children with complex developmental disorders on the level of their physical health. Researchmaterial and its methods: theoretical research methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction); empirical (determination of the level of somatic health); mathematical statistics methods. The study involved 90 middle school children with complex developmental disorders (intelligence and hearing impairment). Results. The tested physical training and health program for middle school students with complex developmental disorders rationally combined exercises of different orientation, duration and intensity, taking into account the individual capabilities of a child with complex developmental disorders, as well as concomitant somatic pathology and factors of general physical health. The implementation of the physical culture and health program was carried out for nine months and was divided into three consecutive periods: preparatory, training and maintenance, with the selection of tools and methods according to the periods. The implementation of the physical culture and health program was carried out for nine months and was divided into three consecutive periods: preparatory, training and maintenance with the separation of tools and methods according to the periods. After the application of the developed program it was found that the low level of somatic health was only in 25% of experimental group boys (at baseline was 60%), below average – in 35% (was 40%), the average – in 40% (no case was reported at the beginning of the study); in girls the above levels were distributed as follows: 30% (60%), 40% (30%) and 30% (10%), respectively. Conclusions. The positive influence of the developed physical culture and health program on the level of somatic health of middle school children on the level of their somatic health has been established. Key words: somatic health, means, physical culture and wellness program, training and rehabilitation center, children with complex developmental disorders. Стаття присвячена проблемі поліпшення соматичного здоров’я дітей зі складними порушеннями розвитку шляхом застосування фізкультурно-оздоровчої програми в умовах навчально-реабілітаційного центру. Мета роботи полягає у визначенні впливу засобів програми у дітей середнього шкільного віку зі складними порушеннями розвитку на рівень їх соматичного здоров’я. Матеріал дослідження та його методи: теоретичні методи дослідження (аналіз, синтез, індукція, дедукція); емпіричні (визначення рівня соматичного здоров’я); методи математичної статистики. У дослідженні брали участь 90дітей середнього шкільного віку зі складними порушеннями розвитку (порушення інтелекту та слуху). Результати. Апробована фізкультурно-оздоровча програма для учнів середнього шкільного віку зі складними порушеннями розвитку раціонально поєднувала вправи різної спрямованості, тривалості та інтенсивності з урахуванням індивідуальних можливостей дитини зі складними порушеннями розвитку, а також супутньої соматичної патології і показників факторного навантаження загального рівня фізичного здоров’я дітей. Реалізація фізкультурно-оздоровчої програми здійснювалася протягом дев’яти місяців і поділялася на три послідовні періоди: підготовчий, тренувальний та підтримувальний з виокремленням засобів і методів відповідно до періодів. Після застосування розробленої програми з використанням засобів оздоровчого фітнесу в умовах навчально-реабілітаційного центру у хлопчиків експериментальної групи низький рівень фізичного здоров’я було відзначено лише у 25% (було 60%), нижчий за середній – у 35% (було 40%), середній – у 40% (на констатувальному етапі педагогічного експерименту жодного випадку не було виявлено); у дівчат зазначені вище рівні розподілилися таким чином: 30% (було 60%), 40% (було 30%) та 30% (було 10%) відповідно. Висновки. Встановлено позитивний вплив розробленої фізкультурно-оздоровчої програми на рівень соматичного здоров’я дітей середнього шкільного віку на рівень їх соматичного здоров’я. Ключові слова: соматичне здоров’я, засоби,фізкультурно-оздоровча програма, навчально-реабілітаційний центр, діти зі складними порушеннями розвитку.