Determining the Right Levels of Health Coaching and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in a Workplace Behavior Change...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Work-related stress negatively impacts job performance and employee health.
• Corporate wellness programs can mitigate stress and improve well-being.
• This project piloted enhancements to a web-based stress management program.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine optimal candidate components and dosages for a future optimization phase.
• Assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering program components.
• Investigate outcome measurement feasibility and develop a conceptual model.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2x2x2 factorial design tested 4 components (2 coaching types, 2 biofeedback types) in a preparation phase.
• 16 office workers participated in an 8-week web-based program, randomly assigned to 1 of 16 conditions.
• Data collected via web analytics, surveys, and interviews.

Main Results:

• Interviews yielded suggestions for improving intervention content and trial procedures.
• High program engagement (83 logins/participant) and retention (75%) were observed.
• No issues reported with data collection from coaching, interviews, or apps.

Conclusions:

• The pilot provided valuable insights for refining intervention content and trial methods.
• The study will undergo a second preparation phase before a large-scale optimization.
• Iterative improvements will enhance the program's effectiveness for employee stress management.