Exercise Preferences for a Workplace Wellness Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk and Increase Work Productivity
Nicholas J SantaBarbara1, Roxana Rezai, Samantha Soetenga
1From the School of Health Sciences, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts (Dr SantaBarbara); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (Ms Rezai, Dr Comulada), Department of Recreation (Ms Soetenga, Ms Terry), and Department of Epidemiology (Dr Carpenter), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Tailoring workplace wellness programs to employee exercise preferences can boost participation and effectiveness. Understanding preferences for program type, location, and frequency is key to successful employee health initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Workplace wellness programs aim to reduce cardiovascular risk and enhance productivity.
- Recruitment and adherence are significant challenges in implementing these programs effectively.
- Personalizing programs to individual exercise preferences may overcome these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate employee exercise preferences for workplace wellness programs.
- To identify key factors that can improve the design and delivery of corporate wellness initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 458 adult employees at UCLA in June 2021.
- Data collected on preferred exercise duration, intensity, and type.
- Analysis of employee preferences for program structure and delivery.
Main Results:
- Employees prefer programs targeting multiple aspects of physical health.
- Preferred program delivery includes varied locations and in-person coaching.
- Ideal frequency is 2-3 times weekly for 60-minute sessions, incorporating aerobic and weight training across a range of intensities.
Conclusions:
- Employee preferences provide a clear roadmap for designing more engaging and effective workplace wellness programs.
- Future research should leverage these findings to create tailored corporate health solutions.
- Implementing programs aligned with employee preferences can potentially improve adherence and health outcomes.
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