Promoting a Healthy Workforce: A Literature Review of Workplace Wellness Programs

Abstract

Recognizing the value of a healthy workforce, more and more organizations are implementing wellness programs. Therefore, it is important for organizational leadership to understand what wellness is and what contributes to wellness program effectiveness. This manuscript reviews numerous articles across various disciplines including psychology, medicine, business, and public health. Relevant journal articles, books, and technical reports were identified by searching Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and PsycINFO. Some of the key search terms used were “wellness,” “definition of wellness,” “wellness dimensions,” “worksite wellness program,” “workplace wellness program,” “health promotion program,” “effectiveness of a worksite wellness program,” “worksite wellness program participation,” and “wellness program participation.” Taking a holistic perspective, wellness is defined as a multidimensional construct composed of the following eight dimensions: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, psychological, occupational/vocational, and financial. This review summarizes effectiveness of the workplace wellness programs in three categories: emotional, physical, and comprehensive programs. Additionally, variables that influence program participation which is a major antecedent of program effectiveness are organized into three broad categories: individual, organizational, and program characteristics. Suggestions for best practice are also provided.