Book Description

Work-related factors have implications for health and wellbeing. Due to the amount of time spent at the workplace and the impact of work on health over an individual’s life course, the workplace has evolved as an important arena for population health promotion. Risk factors within the physical and psychosocial working environment, as well as inadequate organizational support, are associated with increasing work-related health problems, which result in psychosocial and economic implications for the individual, the family, the organization and the society. Recent estimates revealed an increasing level of sickness absence due to work related factors, among others. In recognition of the importance of worker health and a healthy working life, but also in line with numerous occupational health goals, many organisations set aside significant amounts of financial resources annually to promote work well-being. However, studies have shown that despite this positive disposition among employers, both employee participation and the impact of such programs remain minimal. According to the Ottawa declaration for health promotion and the Luxembourg declaration for Workplace Health Promotion (WHP), WHP should be strategic. It is recommended that WHP be conducted in a systematic and continuous process of needs analysis, priority setting, planning, implementation and evaluation. Unfortunately, available studies show that many companies have policies currently in place but lack knowledge regarding proper implementation and evaluation. The foregoing phenomenon raises questions regarding the level of knowledge of and attitudes towards WHP among people in management positions. This Research Topic aims to address factors affecting workplace health promotion. - What does WHP mean for employers? - What forms of WHP packages exist? - Is there evaluation and follow up of such interventions? - What are the barriers and facilitators relating to the uptake of WHP interventions among employees? - Do people in relevant managerial positions possess adequate knowledge regarding WHP? Manuscripts that explore factors crucial for WHP, including individual and organizational level factors, crucial for WHP are welcomed. Manuscripts on barriers, evidence-based interventions, best practices, analysis of existing policy documents and those with a life course perspective etc. are also welcomed. Manuscripts can be of national, international and global perspectives.