Modifying the worksite environment to support individual behavior change

Obesity is a complex condition involving genetic and environmental influences; however, recent increases in prevalence, now described as epidemic, has heightened the attention given to environmental factors. This presentation summarizes process evaluation findings from a multi-site weight management study that tested a set of environmental interventions superimposed on a traditional individual-based health promotion program (control condition) in a manufacturing setting. The environmental interventions were directed at changing the physical environment by offering healthier food choices, establishing walking paths, and increasing health messages. Process data were collected by direct observation, informant interviews, and surveys of various stakeholder groups (managers, peer leaders, etc.). Direct observations identified improvements in healthy food choices in vending machines and cafeteria as well as the creation of walking paths. The interviews and surveys revealed high levels of employees' awareness, but also pointed to barriers to participation. Peer leaders (focal points) were used to coordinate implementation at the workgroup level, and these individuals were seen as instrumental in increasing health messaging at the worksite. The survey of peer leaders revealed that they were involved in many activities including posting health messages and encouraging healthy food options at meetings. Employees rated the interventions as well received overall. The process evaluation results suggest that changes to the worksite physical environment are relatively easy to implement; however, maximizing their effects is dependent on organizational support and direct actions that encourage and enable employees to take advantage of the changes.