Workplace Health Research Articles

The evolution of SNAP-Ed: policy, systems and environment (PSE) interventions to enhance nutrition security and health equity in the United States

Purpose This study uses a comprehensive literature review and analysis of recent research, policy documents and program evaluations related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and policy, systems and environmental (PSE) strategies. Key sources include peer-reviewed articles, the 2025 SNAP-Ed Plan Guidance and case studies of successful PSE interventions. The Social-Ecological Model serves as a framework to organize and analyze the multilevel impacts of PSE interventions. The method involves identifying relevant information, synthesizing key themes and patterns and critically examining the potential impact of PSE strategies on nutrition security and health equity. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the evolution of the SNAP-Ed from direct nutrition education to a comprehensive approach integrating PSE change strategies. It aims to analyze the rationale, implementation and potential impact of PSE approaches in SNAP-Ed on nutrition security and health equity in the USA. The study explores how these strategies address social determinants of health, promote sustainable population-level changes in nutrition environments, and their capacity to reduce health disparities in low-income communities. It seeks to identify challenges, opportunities and future research directions in implementing PSE strategies within SNAP-Ed. Findings The review reveals that PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed show promise in creating sustainable, population-level changes in nutrition environments and health outcomes. Successful examples, such as healthy corner store initiatives and workplace wellness programs, demonstrate the potential of PSE approaches to improve access to healthy food options and physical activity opportunities. The integration of PSE strategies has enhanced SNAP-Ed’s capacity to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. However, challenges including resource constraints, political opposition and the need for cross-sector collaboration persist. The effectiveness of PSE interventions relies heavily on community engagement, partnerships and supportive policies. Practical implications The findings underscore the importance of adopting comprehensive, multilevel approaches in nutrition education and obesity prevention programs. For SNAP-Ed implementers, this implies a need to develop expertise in PSE strategies, foster cross-sector partnerships and engage communities in intervention design and implementation. Policymakers should consider increasing support and resources for PSE approaches within SNAP-Ed and similar programs. Public health practitioners can use these insights to design more effective, equitable interventions that address root causes of nutrition insecurity. The study also highlights the need for improved evaluation methods to assess the long-term impact of PSE strategies on population health outcomes. Social implications This study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to healthy food options, to promote equitable health outcomes. It underscores the potential of community-driven, multilevel interventions in building a more just and equitable food system accessible to all. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the shift toward PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed, offering valuable insights into the program’s evolution and its potential to address complex public health challenges. By examining both successes and challenges, it contributes to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of multilevel interventions in promoting nutrition security and health equity. The study’s emphasis on the role of community engagement and partnerships in PSE implementation offers practical guidance for program planners and policymakers.

The “Best of 2024 List” of Health Promotion Researchers

Each year the editorial team of the American Journal of Health Promotion selects our “Best of the Year List” of health promotion studies from the prior year. This editorial features the Editor’s Picks Awards, the Editor in Chief Awards, the Michael P. O’Donnell Award and the Dorothy Nyswander Award for the best research and writing published in 2024 in this journal. Our criteria for selection includes: whether the study addresses a topic of timely importance in health promotion, the research question is clearly stated and the study methods used are well executed; whether the paper is often cited and downloaded; if the study findings offer a unique contribution to the literature; and if the paper is well-written and enjoyable to read. Awardees in 2024 offered new insights into research methods, the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and groups, brain health and mental health assessment, climate change perceptions and the role of diversity, equity and inclusion in advancing employee health. This “best of 2024 list” featured studies based in health systems, workplaces and communities and includes case studies and qualitative and quantitative research methods that enabled researchers to better explain what amplifies or hampers well-being.

Effectiveness of Workplace Wellness Programmes for Foreign Employees in Access Bank Plc, Lagos

Effectiveness of Workplace Wellness Programmes for Foreign Employees in Access Bank Plc, Lagos

Effectiveness and Durability of a Workplace Sedentary Behavior Intervention Based on the Total Worker Health® Approach

We used the Total Worker Health® approach to develop a multi-component workplace sedentary behavior intervention and tested intervention effectiveness in a cluster randomized trial. Participants (n = 198; 75% female) were recruited from three call-centers (two intervention and one usual practice control). All worksites received pedal stand active workstations. The usual practice site received no additional support, while the intervention group completed a six-month program of activities including computer-based training, behavioral self-monitoring, health and safety discussions, and pedaling competitions. Data collection included a survey, a physical health assessment, and accelerometer measures of sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sitting/standing time. Primary analyses were generalized estimating equations comparing changes between intervention and usual practice conditions over time, along with analyses of changes in both groups combined over time. Six-month results revealed less prolonged sitting and reductions in musculoskeletal pain in both groups (all p < 0.05), while the intervention group showed additional improvements in moderate physical activity (p < 0.001) and use of pedal stands (p < 0.01). At 12-months, the additional physical activity and pedal stand use in the intervention group regressed to baseline levels, while reductions in prolonged sitting in both groups were durable (p < 0.01). This study adds to previous research showing the effectiveness of the Total Worker Health® approach for workplace health and safety. Results also show that, while providing employees with health and safety resources is beneficial, providing ongoing support for the adoption and use of resources is more effective.

Continuous work-related sitting time and its association with perceived workplace support for health among workers in the Greater Accra Municipality: a cross-sectional analysis with sensitivity analyses

BackgroundResearch to date has shown that work-related sitting time can be a major occupational health risk. This understanding has encouraged several workplace health promotion efforts. Even so, some domains of work-related sitting time and their associations with Perceived Workplace Support for Health (PWSH) have not been considered in research. This study aims to compare domains of work-related sitting time between employee characteristics (e.g., gender and age) and assess their associations with PWSH.MethodsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design with a sensitivity analysis against confounding and measures against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public firms in Accra, Ghana. In all, 1000 employees participated in the study. The hierarchical linear regression analysis and the independent samples t-test were used to present the results.ResultsEmployees working in service firms, compared with those working in manufacturing firms, reported longer sitting time for lunchtime. After adjusting for physical function, we found a negative association between PWSH and the sum of continuous sitting time as well as its domains (p < 0.001), except for ‘sitting with a desk’ (p > 0.05).ConclusionWork-related sitting time was associated with employee characteristics and was lower at higher PWSH. This study reinforces the importance of workplace support for health and its role in work-related sitting.

The Transformative Impact of E-learning on Workplace Safety and Health Training in the Industry: a Comprehensive Analysis of Effectiveness, Implementation, and Future Opportunities

This study explores the transformative potential of E-learning in workplace safety and health training. This highlights the flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of E-learning for both employers and employees. This study uses a multi-faceted approach, including literature review, case studies, expert interviews, technological assessment, and data analysis, to provide a comprehensive analysis. It also explores the use of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in E-learning. The findings revealed that E-learning can enhance knowledge retention, reduce workplace accidents, and increase employee engagement. However, challenges such as technological barriers and resistance to new methods persist. The study concludes by recommending a gradual implementation approach, content customization, integration of emerging technologies, continuous assessment, and strategies to maintain high levels of employee engagement.

Cross-sectional analysis of the association between information and communication technology and mental health among Korean workers.

The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) has been the fastest and most widespread in the South Korean workplace. While ICT has several advantages, it can also cause stress among workers. However, the relationship between the introduction of ICT in the workplace and mental health problems among Korean workers remains unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). In total, 40,019 participants answered a question about whether ICT had been introduced in their workplace. Among these, we compared the rate of complaints of mental health disorders between those who answered "yes" (n = 3,250) and those who answered "no" (n = 36,769). We analyzed the data using the SAS statistical software and calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for anxiety, insomnia, and depression using multiple logistic regression models. We also stratified the data on Korean workers to assess the impact of ICT on subgroups. In our nationally representative cohort, on experiencing ICT incorporation at work, 384 participants (11.8%) reported anxiety, 138 (4.2%) reported insomnia, and 296 (9.1%) reported depression. In contrast, among participants who did not have access to ICT, 1,929 (5.2%) reported anxiety, 702 (1.9%) reported insomnia, and 4,404 (12.0%) reported depression. The ORs (95% CIs) for anxiety and insomnia complaint rates were 2.47 (2.19-2.79) and 2.55 (2.10-3.10), respectively, among workers who experienced new ICT adaptations in comparison with those who did not. However, no significant relationship was observed between ICT adoption and depression. The causes of mental health problems in the workplace should be identified and addressed. We found that the introduction of ICT in the workplace was significantly related to anxiety and insomnia symptoms among Korean workers, after controlling for the selected covariates. This information can be used to identify subgroups in the workplace that are vulnerable to ICT changes and tailor interventions to their social and demographic profiles.

Presenteeism among teachers and administrators in primary and secondary schools in Morocco case study: The Moroccan public school system

This research is conducted with the aim of studying presenteeism among teachers and administrators in Moroccan public schools. It seeks to enhance knowledge and understanding of a recently recognized subject, namely, presenteeism. Presenteeism is a novel concept in organizational behavior that describes an individual who is physically present yet mentally disengaged. It denotes productivity that falls below expectations despite the employee's attendance and presumed competence, and it encompasses subpar performance by an employee who reports to work while being unwell. It also includes a phenomenon of excessive presence in the workplace. Empirical research on presenteeism is reasonably plentiful, mostly in the domains of medical and management, but empirical studies in the realm of education are exceedingly scarce. This research seeks to enhance our comprehension of presenteeism by identifying the factors that compel teachers and administrators to engage in it, as well as by elucidating the repercussions that ensue from this behavior. This study is carried out at primary and secondary schools in Casablanca, specifically at the Elfida Mers Sultan Directorate, using a sample of 32 instructors and 20 administrators. Key findings indicate that presenteeism is an under-recognized but widespread phenomenon, with 55.8% of participants admitting to having worked while ill. Contributing factors identified were workplace conflicts, demanding schedules, health problems, burnout, advanced age and lack of training in this area among administrators. The effects of presenteeism have a negative impact on student engagement, academic performance and lead to behaviors such as inattention and classroom disruptions.

Comparing Lecture and E-mail Training for Ergonomic Posture Correction in Office Workers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), commonly arising from poor posture, are among the most prevalent workplace health issues. Objectives: This intervention study aims to compare the effects of two training approaches, lecture and E-mail, on posture correction among bank employees in southeastern Iran. Methods: The study was conducted in Zahedan, Iran, with 120 bank employees from eleven branches. Posture was assessed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. The intervention included two training methods (lecture and E-mail) alongside a control group that received no training. Results: Before the intervention, the mean RULA scores for the lecture, E-mail, and control groups were 4.1 ± 1.6, 4.15 ± 1.14, and 4.19 ± 1.4, respectively (P = 0.39). Post-intervention, the RULA scores dropped to 2.92 ± 0.43 for the lecture group, 2.87 ± 0.56 for the E-mail group, and 3.97 ± 1.6 for the control group (P = 0.028). Although there was no significant difference (P = 0.6) between the lecture and E-mail groups, both training methods showed a statistically significant improvement over the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Both lecture and E-mail training methods effectively improved posture among participants. However, lectures might be more practical in Iran, where E-mail use is less frequent and employees may not check their E-mails regularly.

Workplace mortality risk and social determinants among migrant workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Migrant workers, a population of 170 million, often work in dangerous or unhealthy working environments and are likely to suffer workplace injuries and labour abuses. However, the risk of mortality in migrant workers compared with local workers is unknown. We aim to synthesise global evidence on migrant worker mortality risk and identify social determinants to inform health and safety protections for migrant workers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature to examine mortality outcomes among migrant workers and associated risk factors. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Ovid Global Health for studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Jan 17, 2023, reporting quantitative primary research in English. A broad definition of migrant worker was used, including any worker who is foreign-born (ie, international first-generation migrant workers), either in paid employment or self-employment. Internal migrants, second-generation migrants, and foreign health-care workers were excluded. The primary outcome was any reported mortality, including all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, suicide, homicide, and fatal occupational injury. We used meta-analysis to compare outcomes between migrant worker and local worker populations, and a random-effects model to calculate pooled estimates. We used narrative synthesis to develop a data-driven conceptual framework capturing the intersectional social determinants of mortality in migrant workers. The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42023372893. Of 11 495 identified records, 44 were included in the systematic review, of which 11 studies were pooled in meta-analyses. Data were from 16 countries, most of which were high-income countries, and included 44 338 migrant worker deaths, including migrants from the agriculture, construction, mining, and service industries. Compared with local workers, migrant workers had a higher risk of fatal occupational injury (pooled relative risk 1·71, 95% CI 1·22-2·38; eight studies; I2=99·4%), and a lower risk of all-cause mortality (0·94, 0·88-0·99; three studies, I2=90·7%). Migrant workers were more likely to die from external causes of death (such as falls or assaults) than internal causes of death (such as respiratory or digestive diseases) compared with local workers, with migrant workers also more likely to die from work-related homicides, especially in the retail and sex industries, with some evidence of higher suicide rates among female migrant workers compared with female local workers. Influential social determinants for poor fatality outcomes include migration-related factors (such as lower language proficiency, undocumented status, and long duration of stay) and labour-related factors (such as precarious employment, labour migration policies, and economic deregulation policies). Migrant workers have a higher risk of workplace fatal injury despite being generally healthier than local workers, which could be explained by structural determinants such as precarious employment and inadequate safety protection. This health inequity must be urgently addressed through future interventions that account for migration-related and labour-related social determinants of health at the structural level, such as extending labour protection laws to migrant workers, and improving occupational health and safety and workplace conditions for this vital and growing workforce. UK Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Scoping review meets expert interviews: Key issues of multimodal programs for workplace health promotion in long-term care facilities – "We can’t just run a standard program"

Scoping review meets expert interviews: Key issues of multimodal programs for workplace health promotion in long-term care facilities – <i>"We can’t just run a standard program"</i>

How to stay healthy in a physically demanding workplace – Die retrospektive Beurteilung einer gezielten betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahme für körperlich schwer arbeitende Mitarbeiter und Mitarbeiterinnen im Allgemeinen Krankenhaus Wien

How to stay healthy in a physically demanding workplace – The retrospective assessment of a targeted occupational health promotion measure for employees doing physically demanding work at Vienna General Hospital Aim: Heavy physical work is one of the key factors in the development of spinal overload syndromes. Workplace health promotion (WHP) measures aim to minimize the harmful effects of heavy physical work as much as possible through personal measures. If generalized WHP measures are not possible, they should be carried out in a way that is tailored to specific professional groups. This paper presents such a targeted WHP measure for the patient transport services at Vienna General Hospital and its retrospective assessment by the participants. Methods: After participation in the targeted WHP measure, a validated questionnaire, the Comprehensibility of Health Education Programs (COHEP), was used. Results: The COHEP dimensions “comprehension-fostering behaviour of program trainers” (mean 16,3 ± 5,9), “transferability to everyday life” (mean 12,5 ± 4,0) and “comprehensibility of medical information” (mean 7,6 ± 2,2) were rated as very good. The COHEP dimension “amount of information” (mean 12,6 ± 6,8) was rated as average. Conclusion: The WHP project presented here was rated very highly in terms of comprehension-fostering behaviour, transferability to everyday life and comprehensibility of medical information. The amount of information, however, was rated as tending to be too extensive. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back health – manual material handling – weightlifting

Triggerpunkt-Behandlungs-Tool zur Selbsttherapie von Myogelosen im Berufsumfeld – eine Anwendungsbeobachtung

Trigger point treatment tool for self-therapy of myogelosis in the professional environment – An observational study Aim: There is a large number of occupations where workplace-associated movement patterns and/or forced postures lead to muscle tension in the shoulders and back. These tensions have a direct detrimental impact on the quality of life and capacity for work of those affected. In the medium to long term, they also promote the development of structural degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. If employees in the healthcare sector are affected, this impairs high-quality patient care. The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” (ErgoPhysion, Innsbruck, Austria) was developed for the self-therapy of such tension conditions in the workplace. The use of this device was evaluated as part of an application observation in six departments at Vienna General Hospital (AKH). Methods: Six departments at Vienna General Hospital from the areas of surgery, laboratory medicine, internal medicine and radiology were each provided with a “TensionTerminator” device for independent use for 4 months between May 2023 and March 2024. A contact person in each department was trained in the use of the device and how to handle the documentation. As part of the observation, users were asked to independently enter their user ID, the duration of use and their subjective assessment of the effect (“better”/”worse”/”no change”) in a list each time they used the device. Results: During the test period, a total of 430 uses by 145 users were documented in the six departments, i.e. an average of almost 3 uses per person. The average application duration was 6.5 minutes. In 85.1% of all uses, the patient’s condition after use was described as “better”, and in 14% of all cases as “no change”. One of the 430 uses received a negative rating (“worse”). Conclusion: The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” has proven to be an effective device against workplace-associated muscle tension. It was received very well in the hospital setting and was used regularly. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back pain – myogelosis – myofascial trigger points

Role of CSR in Promoting Happiness, Reducing Workplace Stress and Burnout in Indian Companies: A Study of Selected Indian Companies

This research paper analyzes the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in promoting happiness and reducing workplace stress and burnout in Indian companies. The rationale behind selecting this topic is that human resources plays a significant role in every business, and effective management helps enhance the chances of the firm's success. However, in the contemporary highly competitive market, the demand from human resources is increasing, which is further creating the issue of long working hours, work-life imbalance, burden on meeting targets, etc., which creates the issue of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, etc. which not only adversely impact their performance but also creates the issue of employee turnover and absenteeism. Hence, it has become essential for contemporary businesses to be concerned about taking CSR initiatives to enhance their sense of purpose, sense of belongingness and job satisfaction. For this research, Indian companies are selected for study purpose and their measures to reduce workplace stress and burnout are critically discussed. A secondary data collection method is used to conduct this research. Under this, Case Study Methodology is selected, which has supported the study of the measures taken by various Indian companies, namely Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Mahindra&amp; Mahindra, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Infosys in promoting happiness to reduce workplace stress and burnout while improving their organizational productivity and performance. The study examines the positive impacts of CSR on employee well-being, particularly in promoting happiness, reducing stress, and preventing burnout. The research design's comprehensive approach and selected sample size enhance the study's reliability, clearly assessing CSR’s role in workplace wellness. The key findings of this study have supported the analysis that promoting happiness within the organization helps create a positive workplace environment, which further supports encouraging employees to showcase a positive attitude towards their job responsibility, team members and organizational success.

Enhancing Labor Market Participation of Older Adults: Health and Workplace Adaptations

Abstract Background The labor market dynamics for older adults have significantly shifted due to extended life expectancy and evolving socioeconomic conditions. This study examines the prerequisites for older adults to remain longer in the labor market across various European countries, emphasizing the interplay between health status, workplace adaptations, and economic factors. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from several European surveys focusing on older workers. The methodology included logistic regression to evaluate the impact of health status and workplace adaptations on continued employment among older adults. Data were further stratified by country to assess regional differences in employment patterns for this demographic. Results Preliminary results indicate that older adults with access to workplace adaptations-such as flexible working hours and ergonomic interventions-show a significantly higher likelihood of remaining in the labor market (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.8-2.9). Additionally, those reporting good to excellent health were 1.5 times more likely to continue working compared to their peers with poor health outcomes. The results also highlight substantial regional variability, with Scandinavian countries showing higher employment rates among older adults compared to Southern European regions. Conclusions The data strongly support the need for policy interventions that promote health maintenance among older workers and encourage employers to implement adaptive measures. Such strategies are likely to enhance the labor market participation of older adults, contributing to economic stability and reducing the potential strain on social security systems. Innovative public health policies aimed at supporting aging workers are crucial for sustaining workforce productivity in the face of demographic shifts. NordForsk supports the study Sustainable working-life for aging populations in the Nordic-Baltic region, Project No.: 139986. Key messages • Workplace adaptations and good health significantly extend working life among older adults. • Regional differences in employment for older workers highlight the need for tailored public health policies.

User technology for AI-supported objective measurement of Work-related Quality of Life (MI-LQ)

Abstract Background Understanding and enhancing job satisfaction is crucial for improving Work-Related Quality of Life (WrQoL) in today’s office work environments. Our work uses multimodal data collection and analysis techniques to objectively assess WrQoL, thus mitigating respondent bias and survey fatigue. Leveraging machine learning (ML) and automated methods measuring WrQoL presents a promising approach in public health research, particularly concerning stress-related health outcomes. Methods Through a systematic literature search of 9,242 publications to identify WrQoL indicators, we selected over 100 publications for data extraction. A base model, including workload, commute, overtime, valence, and arousal was formulated. To amass a wide data set, Objective measurement tools (computers, smartphones, and wearables) complemented by questionnaire data. This data will inform ML algorithms to predict individual WrQoL indicators. Developed as an input/output data platform, an app-prototype will objectively assess WrQoL, facilitating a field study with office workers to refine the model. A mobile app prototype serves as a user interface and data relay for WrQoL metric analysis. Results Our research develops instruments for measuring WrQoL using smartphones, wearables, and specialized trackers for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, alongside a software prototype for keyboard and mouse tracking for workload assessment of valence and arousal. Fitness trackers with photoplethysmography functionality are favored for HRV assessment. Conclusions The systematic search identified influences on WrQoL, translated into measurable indicators in a base model. Leveraging user tech for assessment and a ML and mobile app framework, this approach facilitates objective WrQoL determination. By presenting the relationship between digital service use and WrQoL indicators, this methodology promises new insights, informing stress and burnout prevention strategies within public health initiatives. Key messages • Progressive approach: ML-driven WrQoL assessment offers promising avenues for stress prevention in workplace health research. • Methodological Advancement: The novel framework for WrQoL assessment using digital tools contributes to effective workplace health promotion strategies, with potential for tailored interventions.

Key requirements for achieving EU-wide programme change

Abstract Issue Across the world, thousands of projects aim for equitable improvement in health for people who are experiencing ongoing avoidable stigma, discrimination and disadvantage however very little change is often achieved. Description of the problem In this presentation we explore key requirements for project-level change to ensure EU-wide programme change is achieved. Results The two most common causes of project failure are a) the innovation is not suitable, needed or wanted (also called theory failure) or b) implementation failure. This presentation shares strategies to mitigate risks of project failure through co-design processes and communication, drawing from 30 years of experience from the entire implementation process from ideation to scale up. These experiences include projects from over 30 countries, including partnerships with the World Health Organization, governments and industry focused on health literacy, self-management, care pathways, workplace health, hospital services redesign, First Nations health and migrant health. Common success factors include balancing top-down needs with co-designed inputs and with previous preferred or good practice (which may have come from controlled trial evidence generated in different contexts). The intervention must co-implemented to serve stakeholder’s needs at all levels, from citizens to decision makers. Lessons The United Nations (UN) and private sector apply system-wide approaches to affect large scale change. This knowledge is valuable for large public health programmes aiming to integrate equity and diversity in project processes to minimize implementation failure.

Impact of organisational injustice on health and wellbeing of female police: A meta-ethnography

Abstract Background Female police officers face more bias, discriminatory treatment, and insufficient support compared to male officers, resulting in poorer health outcomes. This meta-ethnographic review investigates beyond individual responsibilities to explore the dimensions of policing, and their effects on the health and well-being of female police officers. Methods The study reviewed qualitative and mixed-method studies (2000-2022) on the health and well-being of female police officers. Ten databases were searched using keywords related to health, well-being, women, police, and qualitative study. Twenty-one papers were synthesised, analysed, and interpreted using a seven-phase inductive and interpretative meta-ethnographic approach. Results The data analysis unveiled a distinct outcome, indicating a strong correlation and significant impact of organisational injustice on the health and well-being of women in law enforcement. Our research findings imply that organisational injustice, including procedural, relational, distributive, and gendered injustice, notably affects the health and well-being of female officers, with mental health being frequently cited, followed by effects on social, workplace, and physical health. Furthermore, the consequences of these four types of organisational injustice, alongside related cultural, systemic, and structural risk factors, reach beyond the immediate health and well-being of individual female officers. They also hinder various aspects of their professional lives, such as career advancement and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, potentially exacerbating long-term health and well-being issues. Conclusions This review emphasizes addressing organisational injustice and related cultural, systemic, and structural determinants in policing for healthier work environments for female officers. Policy makers must scrutinize gender-neutral policies affecting women, enabling transformative action for safer, supportive, and healthier workplaces. Key messages • Organisational injustice in various forms, significantly impact health and wellbeing of female police officers, necessitating policy reforms. • Addressing organisational injustice embedded in seemingly gender-neutral policies and practices, is vital for ensuring equitable treatment and health promotion of female police officers.

Improving Workplace Safety and Health Through a Rapid Ergonomic Risk Assessment Methodology Enhanced by an Artificial Intelligence System

The comfort of a worker while performing any activity is extremely important. If that activity extends beyond a person’s capacity to withstand physical and psychological stress, the worker may suffer from both physical and mental ailments. Over time, if the stress persists, these conditions can become chronic diseases and can even be the cause of workplace accidents. In this research, a methodology was developed for the rapid assessment of ergonomic risks and for calculating the level of ergonomic comfort in the workplace. This methodology uses artificial intelligence through a specific algorithm and takes into account a number of factors that, when combined, can have a significant impact on workers. To achieve a more accurate simulation of a work situation or to evaluate an ongoing work situation, and to significantly correlate these parameters, we used logarithmic calculation formulas. To streamline the process, we developed software that performs these calculations, conducts a rapid assessment of ergonomic risks, estimates a comfort level, and proposes possible measures to mitigate the risks and effects on workers. To assist in diagnosing the work situation, we used a neural network with five neurons in the input layer, one hidden layer, and two neurons in the output layer. As a result, most work situations, in any industrial field, can be quickly analyzed and evaluated using this methodology. The use of this new analysis and diagnosis tool, implemented through this new research technology, is beneficial for employers and workers. Moreover, through further developments of this methodology, achieved by increasing the number of relevant input parameters for ergonomics and integrating advanced artificial intelligence systems, we aim to provide high precision in assessing ergonomic risk and calculating the level of ergonomic comfort.

Workplace health promotion in the German Federal Armed Forces-Economic analysis and health benefits

Abstract Background In the German Federal Armed Forces (GFAF) workplace health promotion measures (WHPM) are implemented since 2015 to promote the health of military and civilian employees and thus improve the ability to defend state interests. Here the aim is to evaluate the social and health benefits associated with WHPM in relation to expenditures for WHPM. Methods Calculations are based on data from departmental reporting (full survey) on WHPM, the number of participants and days of incapacity for work (DIW). Mean indirect costs for the WHPM participation and DIW were calculated as 249.33 Euro per DIW. To assess the costs for the use of health care services and social and health benefits a longitudinal observational study (T0: 06-09/2022; T1: 06-09/2023) was conducted online and paper based. The survey invitation was addressed to 223.967 employees of the GFAF. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results In departments offering WHPM the chance of DIW is lower (-19%) compared to departments without WHPM offers and in case of DIW, the duration is shorter (-10%). In T0 23.568 (10.5%) and in T1 14.059 (6%) employees participated. 63.9% (T1: 3.070/4.805) reported positive effects of WHPM on their working ability and general health status (T1: 63.0% (3.013/4.782)). Of those participating in WHPM 81% (T0: 5.442/6.716) would recommend the GFAF as an employer. A number of 4.540 employees participated in both surveys, of which 2.249 participated in WHPM. The average costs per employee participating in WHPM compared to employees not participating are 0,4% higher (T0; T1: 3,5%) and thus almost equal. Conclusions Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. WHPM participants report better self-rated health status, higher working ability and commitment to the employer than non-participants. The chance of DIW is reduced in departments offering WHPM to its employees. *shared authorship Key messages • Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. • Employees participating in workplace health promotion measures report higher working ability and commitment to the employer.