Worksite Environment Research Articles

UP150 Project: A Longitudinal Analysis of Active Lifestyles in the Complex Working System.

Workplaces cause employees to adopt sedentary behaviors for most of their daytime, negatively impacting psychophysical health. A new office concept (UP150) was designed to reduce sedentary behaviors at work through architectural changes, proactive technologies, and wellness coaches (education to active lifestyles). The present study examined the effects of the UP150 concept, previously investigated in dedicated workspaces, with a 12-month longitudinal trial in a real worksite environment. Forty-eight desk workers comprised the experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. All participants worked in the same working environment, having the UP150 features inserted in a usual working environment, but the CG was not allowed to interact with the UP150 specifics. During the experimental year, physical (physical activity, motor efficiency, and anthropometric features), clinical (metabolic parameters and cognitive-capacity-related parameters), and psychological (well-being and discomfort, job social and psychological perceptions, and perceived workload) features were assessed. The prolonged application of the UP150 procedure in a mixed working context for involvement in corporate policies positively affected EG workers' physical (physical activity and motor efficiency increased, and body fat unchanged), clinical (blood glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol decreased; HDL increased), and psychological (well-being and social support raised; job demand and perceived workload lowered) parameters, confirming the previous studies.

Exploring Successful Implementation of Organizational Supports at the Worksite Environment: A Mixed Methods Approach.

While there is evidence that organizational supports may lead to better employee health, research on implementing such organizational supports is lacking. This research sought to understand organizational supports and implementation of those supports using an Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods design approach. Employee survey responses (n = 202) were used to classify organizations into "high" and "low" categories for employee-reported health behavior improvement, agreement, and readiness for implementing change. For the qualitative phase of research (organization-level), semi-structured interviews were conducted with organization leads, and data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis procedure. Analyses sought to identify differences between "high" versus "low" organizations. In addition, the researcher used the "high" and "low" classifications to further review themes that emerged, to determine where there may be differences in organizations classified as "high" versus "low." Study results found the following nine themes to explain how organizations can improve implementing organizational supports: provide a contracted wellness program, formalized programming, and wellness incentives; create a culture of wellness in the organization; provide consistency in the supports offered; provide clear communication to employees; utilize leadership role modeling to show support; focus on leadership support that ensures organizational supports are implemented and sustained; and work to combat employee hesitation of organizational supports. The results of this study show that organizations have the opportunity to improve implementation of their organizational supports by applying the nine themes found.

Developing a Personal Leadership Competency Model for Safety Managers: A Systems Thinking Approach.

The roles of all levels of management in influencing safety, particularly in a complex work environment, are crucial. Therefore, safety managers need to develop leadership competencies (i.e., effectiveness in terms of person-oriented behaviours) to reinforce their influencing capabilities through their safety responsibilities. However, practising leadership behaviours without considering how and when these behaviours should be executed is not enough. Therefore, this paper develops a personal leadership competency model by adopting the Systems Thinking approach. The model was developed by conducting exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of three behavioural leadership competencies (emotional, social and cognitive) selected to fulfil the holistic view of Systems Thinking. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire surveys. A total of 180 valid responses were received from construction managers responsible for overseeing site safety. The statistical results revealed three factors belonging to emotional competency—achievement orientation and adaptability, positive outlook, and emotional self-control. Regarding social competency, four factors represented it—teamwork, organisational awareness, coach and mentor, and conflict management. Finally, cognitive competency was found to be formed by two factors—interaction recognition and pattern recognition. All nine identified factors should, in combination, help safety managers to achieve a better understanding of themselves, of others and of their worksite environments.

Choice Architecture Cueing to Healthier Dietary Choices and Physical Activity at the Workplace: Implementation and Feasibility Evaluation

Redesigning choice environments appears a promising approach to encourage healthier eating and physical activity, but little evidence exists of the feasibility of this approach in real-world settings. The aim of this paper is to portray the implementation and feasibility assessment of a 12-month mixed-methods intervention study, StopDia at Work, targeting the environment of 53 diverse worksites. The intervention was conducted within a type 2 diabetes prevention study, StopDia. We assessed feasibility through the fidelity, facilitators and barriers, and maintenance of implementation, building on implementer interviews (n = 61 informants) and observations of the worksites at six (t1) and twelve months (t2). We analysed quantitative data with Kruskall–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests and qualitative data with content analysis. Intervention sites altogether implemented 23 various choice architectural strategies (median 3, range 0–14 strategies/site), employing 21 behaviour change mechanisms. Quantitative analysis found implementation was successful in 66%, imperfect in 25%, and failed in 9% of evaluated cases. These ratings were independent of the ease of implementation of applied strategies and reminders that implementers received. Researchers’ assistance in intervention launch (p = 0.02) and direct contact to intervention sites (p < 0.001) predicted higher fidelity at t1, but not at t2. Qualitative content analysis identified facilitators and barriers related to the organisation, intervention, worksite environment, implementer, and user. Contributors of successful implementation included apt implementers, sufficient implementer training, careful planning, integration into worksite values and activities, and management support. After the study, 49% of the worksites intended to maintain the implementation in some form. Overall, the choice architecture approach seems suitable for workplace health promotion, but a range of practicalities warrant consideration while designing real-world implementation.

Development and Evaluation of an Online Toolkit for Managers of 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centers to Reduce Occupational Stress.

This article describes the development and evaluation of an online workplace stress reduction toolkit for use by managers of 9-1-1 emergency communication centers (ECCs). A three-step process for development and testing of digital learning resources was used: (1) establishing need and focus through ECC manager stakeholder engagement, (2) pretesting of the toolkit with the target ECC manager audience, and (3) toolkit utilization and evaluation. The toolkit was developed in close partnership with stakeholders throughout the entire process. Toolkit usage was documented via registration data. The evaluation utilized an online survey that included closed and open-ended questions, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Over a 20-month period, 274 people registered for the toolkit and, of those, 184 (67%) accessed the content. Respondents to the evaluation survey (N = 156) scored the toolkit highly on satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived utility measures. Survey respondents reported intent to apply toolkit content through the following: providing organizational resources to help workers take better care of themselves (41%); creating a lower stress worksite environment (35%) and sharing resources with staff to (1) reduce stress (19%), (2) support conflict resolution (21%), and (3) prevent and/or stop bullying (17%). In delivering actionable content to ECC managers, the toolkit shows promise in addressing and mitigating occupational stress in ECCs. Further research needs to determine the relationship of this strategy for reducing ECC stress.

Selecting effective colors for high-visibility safety apparel

The proper use of high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) increases conspicuity and reduces accident rates. The main factor affecting daytime conspicuity is the color contrast between HVSA and the ambient background environment. Selecting HVSA without considering their contrast to the worksite environment may result in unsafe situations where HVSA not only fail to provide the desired conspicuity but also act as camouflage. One such situation is the use of red HVSA on oil tankers with brown decks. This paper presents a methodology for selecting the most effective HVSA color for a particular worksite. Using image analysis techniques, we can assess the contrast between a set of high-visibility colors and the colors present at a worksite in order to determine the most effective HVSA color for the particular site. The methodology was experimentally validated with the help of 50 volunteers and the use of a purpose-built validation software. Results showed a 27% reduction in the time required to detect workers when the color of their HVSA was changed to match the color determined as per the proposed methodology.

Assessment of occupational risks from human health and environmental perspectives: a new integrated approach and its application using fuzzy BWM and fuzzy MAIRCA

Occupational safety issues encountered in the worksite environment are the issues that companies should consider in improving their operations with a view to human health and environmental awareness. Many methods with different rationales have been existed in the literature to prioritize hazards according to their risk levels and to mitigate their consequences. In this study, a new model is developed for occupational risk assessment by merging two well-known multi-criteria decision-making methods named best and worst method (BWM) and multi attribute ideal real comparative analysis (MAIRCA) under fuzzy environment. The proposed model differentiates from other similar models by three aspects. First, it considers severity of a hazard and its associated risk from the human and environmental riskiness perspectives. Secondly, it applies fuzzy BWM (F-BWM) to calculate the relative importance of three risk factors named as “probability, frequency and severity” of traditional Fine–Kinney method. Thirdly, it applies fuzzy MAIRCA (F-MAIRCA) to rank hazards according to their risk level using importance values obtained by F-BWM. To show applicability of the approach, a case study of risk assessment in a marble factory is fulfilled. Additionally, a number of validation studies including benchmarking analysis with fuzzy VIKOR and fuzzy TOPSIS methods; a sensitivity analysis by varying importance weights of risk factors are carried out to highlight the solidity of the proposed approach.

IoT-based safety monitoring from the perspective of construction site workers

Occupational safety and health is traditionally a challenging area in the labor-intensive construction industry as accidents at work and non-ergonomic work conditions lead to absences and premature retirement of construction workers. Recently, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its accompanying technologies (e.g. wearable technologies) has enhanced interest in the occupational safety and health of construction work. The level of technology acceptance among construction workers is a crucial element in the adoption of these technologies. The main objectives of this study are to enhance understanding about construction workers’ attitudes towards IoT-based data-intensive work safety and wellbeing solutions and to identify factors that can promote technology adoption. Data for the study was collected through an online survey of 4385 construction workers. Based on the survey data it seems that construction workers would accept the sharing and utilizing data collected from them in the worksite environment if it could help identify employee personal health risks or promote personal and colleagues' occupational safety. Respondents were most concerned about privacy and security regarding wearables in the workplace. It can be concluded that user acceptance and trust building are key components in the adoption of IoT-based occupational safety and health solutions. Future studies should investigate methods for actively involving construction workers in the design and development process of IoT-based work safety solutions and examine technological solutions that promote trust building among construction workers.

Moderators Of The Relationship Between Worksite Walkability And Physical Activity

PURPOSE: This study examined traditional and novel moderators (i.e., age, sex, race, income, # of children <18 yrs, ratio of cars to drivers, home walkability) of the relationship between worksite neighborhood walkability (WNW) and physical activity (PA). METHODS: Participants (n = 512, mean 44 yrs, 59% female, 70% White) were employed (not at home) during the baseline phase of a larger trial. Measures included self-reported PA (total min/week, min/week of transport-PA inside (TPAin) and outside (TPAout) the home neighborhood; NPAQ) and Actigraph-measured PA (min/week moderate-to-vigorous PA in bouts [MVPA] and sedentary-light PA [SLPA]). GIS-assessed WNW (500m network buffer of residential, intersection, and transit densities; land use mix). Negative binomial regression estimated associations of WNW with PA, each moderator, and WNW x moderator (i.e., age, sex, race, income, # of children <18, car:driver ratio, home walkability) interactions. Alpha level set at 0.10 to probe conditional effects. Main effects of covariates (residence tenure, distance to work, reason moved to residence, total household members; and in accelerometer models, wear time) were included. RESULTS: Sex and # of children <18 yrs moderated relationships of WNW with MVPA and SLPA. Race moderated the relationship of WNW with TPAout. For women, the conditional effect of WNW on MVPA was positive (p = .04) while the conditional effect of WNW on SLPA was negative (p = .04); effects not different from zero for men. For adults with no children <18, the conditional effect of WNW on MVPA was positive (p = .01) while the conditional effect of WNW on SLPA was negative (p = .01); not different from zero for those with at least 1 child. For White participants, the conditional effect of WNW on TPAout was negative (p = .07); not different from zero for non-Whites. No other moderators (age, income, car:driver ratio, or home walkability) interacted with WNW. CONCLUSIONS: For women, adults without young children, and Whites (but not men, those with young children, and non-Whites), PA is influenced by walkability of worksite environments in mostly expected directions. An underexplored aspect of behavioral ecological models is identifying who is sensitive to the environmental conditions that can bolster health promotion efforts.

Effect of boron containing additives on asphalt performance and sustainability perspective

Recycling and sustainability concepts have recently come into prominence in pavement engineering as in other fields due to global warming. Pavement engineers conduct detailed studies on the production of asphalt concrete with recycled materials and apply their studies in work-site environment. This study aims to use boron wastes which formed in Eskisehir and surrounding provinces that hold nearly 70% of the world's boron reserves to the service of road construction industry. Furthermore, this research examines the performance characteristics and usability of asphalt concrete specimens prepared by adding respectively materials such as Crushed Boron Waste (CBW), Borax pentahydrate (BP) and Anhydrous Borax (BA) into the passed through 1.18 mm size aggregates. Asphalt concrete specimens are applied Marshall Design tests and creep tests. Test results prove that these three materials comply with the specifications. However, usage of CBW is considered to be more suitable in terms of long service life, financial, environmental and sustainability aspects. Boron waste additives will remove the environmental pollution caused by waste storages and provide significant profit in regard to sustainable life.

Development of a scalable weight loss intervention for low-income workers through adaptation of interactive obesity treatment approach (iOTA)

BackgroundDescribing how and why an evidence-based intervention is adapted for a new population and setting using a formal evaluation and an adaptation framework can inform others seeking to modify evidence-based weight management interventions for different populations or settings. The Working for You intervention was adapted, to fit a workplace environment, from Be Fit Be Well, an evidence-based intervention that targets weight-control and hypertension in patients at an outpatient clinic. Workplace-based efforts that promote diet and activity behavior change among low-income employees have potential to address the obesity epidemic. This paper aims to explicitly describe how Be Fit Be Well was adapted for this new setting and population.MethodsTo describe and understand the worksite culture, environment, and policies that support or constrain healthy eating and activity in the target population, we used qualitative and quantitative methods including key informant interviews, focus groups, and a worker survey; these data informed intervention adaptation. We organized the adaptations made to Be Fit Be Well using an adaptation framework from implementation science.ResultsThe adapted intervention, Working for You, maintains the theoretical premise and evidence-base underpinning Be Fit Be Well. However, it was modified in terms of the means of delivery (i.e., rather than using interactive voice response, Working for You employs automated SMS text messaging), defined as a modification to context by the adaptation framework. The adaptation framework also includes modifications to content; in this case the behavioral goals were modified for the target population based on updated science related to weight loss and to target a workplace population (e.g., a goal to avoiding free food at work).ConclusionsIf effective, this scalable and relatively inexpensive intervention can be translated to other work settings to reduce obesity and diabetes risk among low-SES workers, a group with a higher prevalence of these conditions. Using a formal evaluation and framework to guide and organize how and why an evidence-based intervention is adapted for a new population and setting can push the field of intervention research forward.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02934113; Received: October 12, 2016; Updated: November 7, 2017.

Modeling expertise and adaptability in virtual operator models

Abstract To advance construction machine design and testing, model-based design and virtual operator models (VOMs) can be used to explore machine designs virtually. However, current VOM efforts have been restricted to mimicking known trajectories, recorded from actual machine operations. Previous work developed a VOM to use in closed-loop simulation with an excavator model. To advance the utility of model-based machine testing, the fidelity of the VOM was enhanced along three lines: 1) representation of expert work cycle operation, 2) adaptation to changes in work site environment and 3) adaptation to changes when operating different machines. To represent expertise, work cycle task overlap was modeled – a hallmark of expert human operator performance. A mental model was developed to adapt to changes in the work site environment. Finally, the VOM was generalized to adapt to changes in excavator dimensions, eliminating the need for time intensive “tuning” typical of trajectory-dependent models. Three case studies demonstrated task overlap modeled productivity gains typical of expert operators, VOM control outputs adapted as trench depth and pile height increased, and the VOM adapted to different excavator models automatically. An additional case study compared VOM results to human-recorded data. This work advances the ability to integrate human expertise and adaptability in virtual operator modeling, resulting in a more realistic simulation of operations.

Does a grill menu redesign influence sales, nutrients purchased, and consumer acceptance in a worksite cafeteria?

Worksite cafeterias are compelling venues to improve diet quality through environmental changes.We conducted a pre-post study to evaluate how a cafeteria-initiated grill menu redesign influenced sales, revenue, and nutrient content of foods purchased. Secondly, we evaluated consumer opinions about menu changes to inform practices for worksite environment interventions. Monthly sales data (2012–2015) were used to compute gross sales and revenue of entrées and side dishes pre-post menu changes. Alternative protein sources replaced red meat; nutrient composition and nutrients purchased were compared using Food Pro software. Consumer responses were queried using online surveys; open-ended responses were analyzed using NVivo. Differences in sales and nutrient content pre-post menu redesign were tested with Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Gross sales of entrées (61 vs. 222 servings/month; p = 0.01) and side dishes (120 vs. 365 servings/month; p = 0.001) increased more than three-fold post-menu changes. Revenue from entrées (312 vs. 1144 USD/month; p = 0.01) and side dishes (238 vs. 914 USD/month; p = 0.001) also increased; per entrée, consumers purchased significantly more unsaturated fat (5 g), and less saturated fat (3 g) and sodium (100 mg). For side dishes, they purchased fewer calories (48 kcal) and unsaturated fat (2.9 g), but more fiber (1.8 g), and sodium (260 mg). Four themes emerged from consumer responses: the importance of 1) variety, novelty, choice; 2) cost, affordability, value; 3) health; and 4) food quality, taste. Menu redesign can improve nutrient content, while also increasing sales and revenue. Multi-dimensional assessment of the nutritional, consumer, and retailer implications is desirable practice for enacting similar environmental changes.

Mixed methods analysis of eighteen worksite policies, programs, and environments for physical activity

BackgroundThis study examined whether specific worksite supports for physical activity (PA) were associated with total and domain-specific PA.MethodsA cross-sectional, telephone-based study was conducted in four Missouri, USA, metropolitan areas in 2012 and 2013. Outcome variables included total PA and sub-domains (leisure, work, travel) measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression determined odds of meeting PA recommendations, given access to and use of 18 unique PA worksite supports. A subsample of 119 participants also wore hip accelerometry for seven consecutive days and maintained a wear-time diary. Access to worksite supports were associated with odds of meeting objective moderate and vigorous (MV) PA above 150 min per week.ResultsAmong 2013 survey participants, meeting PA recommendations while performing work-related tasks was significantly associated with several supports (e.g., walking maps, stair prompts), as was meeting recommendations during travel (e.g., flextime for PA, incentives for public transportation, walking/bicycling to work). Access to 11 worksite supports increased odds of meeting PA recommendations through leisure-time PA; five supports were associated with total PA. There were significant differences between access to and use of supports. Using objective MVPA, access to worksite challenges and bike storage were significantly associated with five and three times greater odds of meeting 150 min of MVPA per week, respectively.ConclusionsWorksite wellness plans are increasing across the US and employers are eager for evidence-based supports for increasing PA. This study provides insights into the utility of multiple worksite supports for PA to increase odds that employees meet PA recommendations.

Employers' perspective of workplace breastfeeding support in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundBreastfeeding is considered to be an important measure to achieve optimum health outcomes for children, women’s return to work has frequently been found to be a main contributor to the early discontinuation of breastfeeding. The aim of the study is to assess workplace breastfeeding support provided to working mothers in Pakistan.MethodA workplace based cross-sectional survey was conducted from April through December 2014. Employers from a representative sample of 297 workplaces were interviewed on pre-tested and structured questionnaire. The response rate was 93.7 %. Prevalence of workplace breastfeeding facilities were assessed in the light of World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) guidelines.ResultsAmong non-physical facilities, all workplaces offered 3 months paid maternity leave, 45 % of the sites were offering task adjustment to mothers during lactation period. Only 15 % of the sites were offering breastfeeding breaks to working mothers. Physical facilities that include a breastfeeding corner, refrigerator for storing breast milk, breast milk pump and nursery for childcare were provided in less than 7 % of the sites. Multinational organizations provided better support compared to national organizations.ConclusionSupport for continuation of breastfeeding by working women at workplaces is inadequate; hence, women discontinue breastfeeding earlier than planned. Policies need to be developed and enforced, employers and employees need to be educated and supportive environment needs to be created to encourage and facilitate breastfeeding friendly worksite environment.

Policy, environment, and worksite fitness program participation among financial enterprise employees in Taiwan

Background/ObjectiveThis study explored the intertwined effects between the policies and regulations of the companies and personal background on participation in the physical fitness programs and leisure-time activities in financial enterprises. MethodsA total of 823 employees were selected as the sample with the multilevel stratification random-sampling technique. The response rate was 52.0%. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear logistic regression. ResultsThirty-two percent and 39% of the employees participated in the physical fitness programs and leisure-time activities, respectively. The factors affecting participation were categorized into intrapersonal factors, interpersonal processes, and primary groups, as well as institutional factors. In the interpersonal processes and primary groups level, higher family social support, more equipment in health promotion was associated with more participation in the programs. With the influence from the institutional level, it was found that health promotion policy amplified the relationship between employees' age and participation, but attenuated the relationship between education level and participation. Health promotion equipment in the institutes attenuated the relationship between colleague social support, family social support, and education level with program participation. Physical activity equipment in the community attenuated the relationship between family social support and program participation. ConclusionThe influential factors of social support and worksite environment could predict the employees' participation in the physical fitness programs and leisure-time physical activities. Health promotion policy and equipment attenuated the negative effects of nonparticipation as well as amplified the positive effects of participation.

Review of measures of worksite environmental and policy supports for physical activity and healthy eating.

IntroductionObesity prevention strategies are needed that target multiple settings, including the worksite. The objective of this study was to assess the state of science concerning available measures of worksite environmental and policy supports for physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE).MethodsWe searched multiple databases for instruments used to assess worksite environments and policies. Two commonly cited instruments developed by state public health departments were also included. Studies that were published from 1991 through 2013 in peer-reviewed publications and gray literature that discussed the development or use of these instruments were analyzed. Instrument administration mode and measurement properties were documented. Items were classified by general health topic, 5 domains of general worksite strategy, and 19 subdomains of worksite strategy specific to PA or HE. Characteristics of worksite measures were described including measurement properties, length, and administration mode, as well as frequencies of items by domain and subdomain.ResultsSeventeen instruments met inclusion criteria (9 employee surveys, 5 manager surveys, 1 observational assessment, and 2 studies that used multiple administration modes). Fourteen instruments included reliability testing. More items were related to PA than HE. Most instruments (n = 10) lacked items in the internal social environment domain. The most common PA subdomains were exercise facilities and lockers/showers; the most common HE subdomain was healthy options/vending.ConclusionThis review highlights gaps in measurement of the worksite social environment. The findings provide a useful resource for researchers and practitioners and should inform future instrument development.

The association between worksite physical environment and employee nutrition, and physical activity behavior and weight status.

To explore the relationship between worksite physical environment and employee dietary intake, physical activity behavior, and weight status. Two trained research assistants completed audits (Checklist of Health Promotion Environments at Worksites) at each worksite (n = 28). Employees (n = 6261) completed a brief health survey before participation in a weight loss program. Employees' access to outdoor areas was directly associated with lower body mass index (BMI), whereas access to workout facilities within a worksite was associated with higher BMI. The presence of a cafeteria and fewer vending machines was directly associated with better eating habits. Better eating habits and meeting physical activity recommendations were both related to lower BMI. Selected environmental factors in worksites were significantly associated with employee behaviors and weight status, providing additional intervention targets to change the worksite environment and promote employee weight loss.

Food-and-beverage environment and procurement policies for healthier work environments.

The importance of creating healthier work environments by providing healthy foods and beverages in worksite cafeterias, in on-site vending machines, and at meetings and conferences is drawing increasing attention. Large employers, federal and state governments, and hospital systems are significant purchasers and providers of food and beverages. The American Heart Association, federal government, and other organizations have created procurement standards to guide healthy purchasing by these entities. There is a need to review how procurement standards are currently implemented, to identify important minimum criteria for evaluating health and purchasing outcomes, and to recognize significant barriers and challenges to implementation, along with success stories. The purpose of this policy paper is to describe the role of food-and-beverage environment and procurement policy standards in creating healthier worksite environments; to review recently created national model standards; to identify elements across the standards that are important to consider for incorporation into policies; and to delineate issues to address as standards are implemented across the country.

Impact of individual and worksite environmental factors on water and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among overweight employees.

IntroductionThe worksite environment may influence employees’ dietary behaviors. Consumption of water and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) affect weight management; however, little research has evaluated the influence of worksite factors on beverage consumption. Our purpose was to determine whether individual and worksite factors are associated with water and SSB intake among overweight and obese employees.MethodsData were collected as part of baseline assessments for a worksite-based, weight-management intervention trial. Height and weight of participants (N = 1,482; 74% female; mean age = 47 y [standard deviation (SD) = 11y]; mean weight = 208 lbs [SD = 46 lbs]) were assessed, and participants completed a validated beverage intake questionnaire. Environmental characteristics of worksites (N = 28) were audited. A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) was used to identify worksite conditions that may support healthier beverage intake patterns.ResultsMost participants were white (75% of sample) with at least some college education or a college degree (approximately 82% of sample). Mean water and SSB intake were 27 fl oz (SD = 18 fl oz) and 17 fl oz (SD = 18 fl oz), respectively; SSB intake (191 kcal [SD = 218 kcal]) exceeded the recommended discretionary energy intake. Statistical models did not identify any significant predictors of water intake. Female sex and increasing level of education and household income were associated with lower SSB intake; baseline body weight and greater number of worksite water coolers and vending machines were associated with higher SSB intake. The QCA identified worksite type (ie, not manual labor) as a condition necessary for healthier beverage consumption; a worksite break policy of 2 or more per day may lead to unhealthy beverage consumption.Lower SSB consumption was noted among older participants, female participants, and among participants with higher education and income levels.ConclusionWorkplace factors influence beverage consumption among overweight employees. Limiting vending machine availability and implementing policies that promote weight management may improve employee health.