The impact of a prospective survey-based workplace intervention program on employee health, biologic stress markers, and organizational productivity

J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Jul;47(7):671-82. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000167259.03247.1e.

Abstract

Objective: To study whether knowledge about psychosocial work indicators and a structured method to implement changes based on such knowledge comprise an effective management tool for enhancing organizational as well as employee health and well-being.

Methods: White- collar employees representing 22 different work units were assessed before and after a 1-year intervention program. Subjective ratings on health and work environment, biologic markers, absenteeism, and productivity were measured.

Results: Significant improvements in performance feedback, participatory management, employeeship, skills development, efficiency, leadership, employee well-being, and work-related exhaustion were identified. The restorative hormone testosterone increased during the intervention and changes correlated with increased overall organizational well-being. Absenteeism decreased and productivity improved.

Conclusions: Fact-based psychosocial workplace interventions are suggested to be an important process for enhancing employee well-being as well as organizational performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Adult
  • Efficiency*
  • Employment*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health Services*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism*
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Lipids