Designing attractive workplace health promotion programs

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Purpose Workplace health promotion (WHP) is an investment in human capital that can lead to substantial organizational and individual benefit. However, this depends on high participation rates, which are rarely reached. The aim of this article thus is to examine necessary conditions for WHP success by analyzing employee perceived determinants of participation. Design/methodology/approach Based on a qualitative study, a questionnaire was designed. The determinants of participation were assessed regarding underlying categories and importance via factor analysis. Findings Personal benefit, social aspects, information, uncomplicated use, security and autonomy plus time and participation in offer design emerged as relevant factors. For the population studied, uncomplicated use, personal benefit and information were rated as most important. Originality/value The study is based on determinants voiced by the workforce only, not expert-rated aspects. Moreover, it was carried out in small and medium-sized organizations, which are understudied regarding WHP. By reducing data using factor analysis, a basis for further research is created. Also, a basic questionnaire is suggested via the items employed that can help organizations to investigate the WHP-related wishes and needs that matter most to the workforce.