The Effects of a Two-month occupational Wellness Program on Employee Health

Currently, the largest concerns relate to occupational health are caused by modern lifestyle related factors such as stress, inactivity and poor nutritional habits. These are also seen in occupational settings since half of the workers in the EU region have been noted to suffer from stress and fatigue related issues. Due to this, exercise and health companies have decided to fight this problem by offering occupational wellness programs. The purpose of the thesis was to assess the effects of a two-month occupational wellness program and to help the client to understand their products further. The study was conducted as an observational study. Data for the study was collected from physical tests, body composition measurements and a questionnaire which included closed and open-ended questions. Numerical data was described in terms of means and percentages and qualitative data was divided into main themes. Intervention included two individual nutritional and physical coaching sessions (strength training and aerobic work). In addition, all participants received an individualized weekly strength and nutritional program. All guidance was adapted to the specific needs of each participant. Results showed significant improvements in the physical tests of shoulder mobility (right 20.8%; left 8.1%), ankle mobility (right 25.3%; left 28.8%) and squat (40.9%). In addition, participants showed positive changes in frequency of exercise, eating and lifestyle habits (self-efficacy), and positivity towards exercise. Furthermore, pain was significantly decreased for some of the participants (VAS- pain scale from 10 to 6 and from 7 to 3). In the future, these may lead to enhanced company profits, less sick days and medical costs, enhanced quality of work, increased knowledge capital, less recruitment costs and overall, positive changes in company culture. It can be concluded, that the participants presented improvements in some wellness and functional capacity markers. Improvements in physical capabilities, knowledge and improved self-efficacy, may correlate with a more functioning workforce and individuals. It can also be suggested, that in the future companies may benefit from similar interventions by seeing enhanced self-efficacy of workers related to exercise, eating habits and improvements in physical capacities. The results of the study cannot be generalized due to the number of participants (n=6). However, despite the participation numbers, the study provided important knowledge about the target group, which can be utilized by the client. In the future, emphasis should be placed on recruiting employees who are least likely to participate to health enhancing activities. Also, it should be researched further, which components of wellness programs are the most cost-effective for companies. Individualized wellness programs should be included in companies’ developmental processes, and the effects of decreased function and wellness, should be understood since they pose a notable threat to company profits and reputation. Perhaps wellness can be seen as the investment policy of the future