Workplace health promotion programs. An overview

Abstract

The development of workplace health promotion programs is a popular trend in corporate America. The workplace is considered to have great potential for health promotion and education because workers spend more than 30% of their waking hours at work. Corporate managers are attracted by the broad claims of benefits made for workplace health promotion programs, which include improving employees' health and fitness; decreasing medical and disability costs; reducing absenteeism; improving job satisfaction; increasing productivity; and enhancing the corporate image. Although these claims are not proven through scientific research, current evidence suggests the workplace health promotion programs can have a positive impact on employees. The trend of increasing numbers of corporations establishing health promotion programs should continue in the future.