Implementation of the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program in a Retail Setting: A Feasibility Study and Framework...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Workplace health promotion
• Participatory research methods

Background:

• Participatory methods in Total Worker Health (TWH) programs are understudied.
• Successful implementation of TWH programs requires understanding key factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a participatory health promotion program, the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP), with grocery store workers.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to program implementation using a formal evaluation framework.

Main Methods:

• Recruited a design team of line-level workers and a steering committee with management and union representatives.
• A research team member facilitated the program.
• Measured program implementation using an evaluation framework assessing context, fidelity, engagement, outputs, and perceptions.

Main Results:

• The HWPP achieved moderate success but demanded significant worker and facilitator time.
• Design team members lacked necessary process skills, and the steering committee provided insufficient support.
• The evaluation framework effectively identified implementation barriers.

Conclusions:

• Participatory TWH programs can be moderately successful but require substantial resources and support.
• Addressing skill deficits and enhancing steering committee support are crucial for successful implementation.
• Further research should focus on overcoming identified barriers and adapting the program for broader application.