Workplace health promotion management of non-communicable disease prevention and implementation among organizational leaders and human resource executives in Thailand: A qualitative study

Abstract

In Thailand, the Cabinet has outlined a national reform plan (public health), which emphasizes the concept of health promotion in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The plan focuses on policies and measures within the workplace and setting goals to establish workplace health policies. Workplace health promotion yields positive effects on businesses by enhancing work productivity and reducing costs. However, national policies specifically aimed at promoting good health and well-being in the workplace are still limited in scope and are predominantly implemented by governmental agencies in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the management and implementation of health promotion policies in the workplace by organizational leaders and human resource (HR) executives. We conducted exploratory research using the inductive approach of conventional content analysis. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with senior-level and HR executives affiliated with influential bodies of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), the Personnel Management Association of Thailand (PMAT), industrial estates, and prominent businesses representing all eight industry groups in Thailand between May and November 2022. In-depth interviews were conducted with all key informants, totalling 35 individuals, representing 27 businesses and organizations. The findings were categorized into three main themes: 1) Management including organizational policies, and leadership, 2) Operations including budget allocation, activities, and operational tips, and 3) Challenges including operational challenges and individual factors. This study has outlined strategies for more effective management and implementation to enhance workplace health promotion, and refined policies for improvement of health promotion initiatives in Thai workplaces.