Impact of Worksite Wellness Programs on Health-Related Outcomes in White Collar Workers-A Narrative Review

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs are often implemented to increase work productivity and improve the health in employees however there is very little evidence on how effective these programs are. This review of literature aims to investigate the impact Worksite Wellness Programs have on the physiological and psychological health-related outcomes in white-collar workers. Electronic databases including PubMed Web of Science and CINAHL were screened. Publications between 2010 and 2020 were included. A total of nine studies were reviewed. Six out of nine studies showed positive improvements in physical health characteristics like BMI fat mass waist circumference occupational sitting time and step counts. Four out of nine studies showed significant differences in psychological outcomes like quality of life emotional exhaustion ruminative depression and other stress-related symptoms. No significant changes were found in job satisfaction performance and cognitive function. The study yielded mixed results regarding the impact of wellness programs on health outcomes. There exists strong evidence demonstrating the impact of Worksite wellness programs on major physiological outcomes such as BMI step counts waist circumference sitting time waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure. Significant reductions in major psychological outcomes such as anxiety and depression were reported.