Effects of a workplace health promotion programme on work- and health-related outcomes: a quasi-experimental trial

Purpose Mental and musculoskeletal disorders negatively impact individuals’ daily life and their work ability. Workplace health promotion (WHP) programmes are successfully implemented in many companies, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often need specific and adapted concepts. External providers such as health resorts may be of support here. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an externally offered health-promoting measures on work- and health-related outcomes of adults working in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach A prospective quasi-experimental trial with follow-ups up to 16 months was conducted with adults working in SMEs in a rural area in Bavaria, Germany. The intervention group (IG) participated in an externally provided three-module health-promoting measure for one year. The control group (CG) continued with usual daily work without any specific intervention. Primary outcomes were subjective stress (perceived stress questionnaire (PSQ)), subjective work ability (work ability index (WAI)), work-related strain consequences (irritation scale (IS)). Propensity Score matching was conducted compensating for missing randomisation. Multilevel analyses were computed, known as they are known to obtain higher quality and more precise results by appropriately accounting for the data structure (e.g. individual and group-level data) and reducing estimation errors. Study registration number: DRKS00014272. Findings In total, 84 subjects (70.2% female, mean age: 46.5 years (SD: 10.3)) were included in the analyses. Participants of the IG improved in all primary outcomes at the 16-month follow-up (PSQ: estimate = −11.56, p < 0.001; WAI: estimate = 4.98, p0.001; IS: estimate = −5.55, p < 0.001) compared to participants in the CG. In some multilevel models, the variables weekly working hour (PSQ and IS) and leadership role (WAI) were identified as significant predictors. No significant effects were observed for age, sex and years of work experience on the outcome variables. Originality/value Externally provided health promotion measures can foster positive changes in work ability and overall health among employees in SMEs. Health resorts, for example, can serve as external providers for WHP. In practice, it is advisable to establish more regional HPMs that leverage local resources and expertise. This approach ensures that SMEs, in particular, can offer their employees appropriate and evidence-based WHP programmes. Such initiatives have the potential to increase adult participation in preventive health services, thereby benefiting not only employees but also companies and society through outcomes such as reduced absenteeism and improved well-being.