Experiences of Employee Health Promotion Activities - How managers influence employees' personal health-related behaviours

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The scientific support for the benefits of physical activity is abundant on both the individual- and organisational level. Workplace health promotion programs (WHPP) aims for improved psychosocial workplace environment as well as employee health by increasing physical activity, however, these initiatives has not reached the expectations of previous research. The aim of this study is to offer possible explanations for the discrepancy by investigating managerial attitudes. Theory: The managers' frames in thought and communication will be analysed from an organisational culture viewpoint in order to expand the picture and provide answers to questions from previous studies in the field. By focusing on frames and culture the participants viewpoints comes to light without risking contamination from previous conclusions. Method: Through conversations with nine first-line managers in the white collar division in Sweden the issue was investigated by semi-structured interviews. A grounded theory approach with theoretical sampling was applied in order to investigate WHPP from a managerial perspective. Result: Managers attributed sick-listing frequencies and ill-being to a poor psychosocial workplace environment and acknowledged it as a pressing concern. Physical activity is viewed as valid method of increasing stress resilience, productivity and cooperation, but respondents lacks the tools necessary to effectively promote physical activity in the workplace. Many initiatives have been tried, but with unconvincing results. Lack of resources, organisational priority and understanding of employee motivators can explain the issue, but also barriers in the context such as norms and regulations complicates the matter. The results are organised into a frame of health promotion valid for all respondents which identifies the current challenges of health promotion initiatives in the workplace.