Promoting health and wellness: A Survey on corporate wellness practices in Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy)

corporate wellness programmes have gained increasing attention as tools for promoting healthy behaviours in the workplace, yet systematic evidence on their diffusion in Italy is limited.

to describe the adoption of wellness practices among large companies in Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy) and document companies' perceived benefits.

cross-sectional study conducted in May-July 2024.

32 companies among the 200 largest companies in Emilia-Romagna, identified through the regional Chamber of Commerce.

the questionnaire covered four domains: active mobility, healthy eating, physical activity, and prevention initiatives, as well as companies' perceived effects of wellness programmes.

each company was contacted both via email and via telephone; 150 were successfully reached and 32 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 21%). Among the participating companies (N. 32), 14 (44%) promoted active mobility initiatives, 26 (81%) offered healthy eating options, 6 (19%) provided in-house gyms, and 15 (47%) supported preventive health assessments. Among the 17 companies reporting positive organisational effects, 70% cited an improved working climate, 65% reported better employee health, 60% perceived greater corporate attractiveness, whereas only 22% reported perceived productivity gains. Nearly half of the companies (15; 47%) expressed willingness to expand wellness initiatives if supported by public policies or incentives.

corporate wellness practices are widespread among large companies in Emilia-Romagna, though perceived productivity effects remain limited. The descriptive nature of the study, the modest sample size, and the potential non-response bias recommend caution, but findings highlight opportunities for policy support and low-cost wellness interventions.