Support, awareness, and utilization of health promotion programs: Baseline results from the WAY to Health research study

Comprehensive worksite health promotion programs (WHPs) can reduce absenteeism, improve employee productivity, morale, and the financial health of an organization. Top management/administrators' beliefs and support influence the effect of WHPs. This presentation describes the awareness, administrative support, and employee utilization of WHPs. It then evaluates the relationship between administrative support, employee awareness, and observed health promotion supports on 14 North Carolina campuses enrolled in the WAY to Health research study. At baseline, six key stakeholder interviews were conducted: Chancellor/President, Human Resources Director, Wellness Coordinator, Facilities Director, Cafeteria/Food Service and Vending Managers. Trained personnel conducted environmental scans assessing supports for physical activity and healthy eating. Chancellor/President interviews revealed a high importance level to offering WHPs (mean=4.57, SD=0.65) and in supporting employee health (mean=3.14, SD=0.66) on a 5-point Likert scale (1=not at all, 5=extremely). Wellness Coordinators reported a modest level of WHP effectiveness (mean=2.86, SD=1.03) on a 5-point Likert scale (1=not at all, 5=to a significant extent). Environmental scans indicated healthy food options labeled in 42.9% of campus cafeterias and 35.7% in vending machines. Additionally 92.9% of campuses had gyms and 71.4% offered other indoor physical fitness facilities. Employee Wellness Committees (EWCs) were organized on 93% of campuses, yet only 40% offered health promotion programs. Among 905 participating WAY to Health employees, 47.3% were aware of the campus EWC, while 41.9% reported that their campus offered WHPs. A description of perceived benefits, barriers, and other factors influencing the number of wellness supports on campus will be discussed.