A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining workplace wellness interventions
Bridget Murphy1,2, Niyati Parekh1,3, Dorice L Vieira1
1School of Global Public Health, New York University, USA.
Nutrition and Health
|April 6, 2021
Summary
Workplace wellness interventions show inconsistent results for reducing employee stress and aiding weight management. Mid-length programs (6-9 months) demonstrated a more consistent link between reduced stress and improved food choices or weight outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Overeating is linked to psychological stress, often from the workplace.
- Workplace wellness programs can modify environmental factors influencing stress and eating behaviors.
- Employee stress impacts food choices and weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review randomized controlled trials on workplace wellness interventions.
- To assess impacts on employee psychological stress and food choice or weight management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Included English-language randomized controlled trials in adult employees.
- Focused on interventions measuring psychological stress and food choice or weight management.
Main Results:
- Intervention results were inconsistent across studies.
- No direct association found between stress reduction and weight management.
- Mid-length interventions (6-9 months) showed more consistent positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- High heterogeneity in studies on employee food choices and weight management.
- Further research is needed for effective wellness program planning and measurement.
- Standardized research methods and tools are required for dietary intake assessment.
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