Development and implementation of healthy workplace model in a selected industry of Puducherry, South India

Abstract

Background:The workplace is increasingly being used as a setting for health promotion and preventive health activities; not only to prevent occupational injury, but to assess and improve people's overall health.Objective:This study aims at developing and implementing a healthy workplace model in a software industry of Puducherry.Methods:Operations research was carried out in a purposively selected industry in Puducherry. The study was planned in four phases-baseline assessment and risk profiling, intervention, final evaluation and dissemination of results. Baseline evaluation of employees (n = 907) was done by a self-administered questionnaire to collect sociodemographic variables and risk factor profile using noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) LITE Proforma.Results:Healthy workplace committee comprising of several stakeholders was formed, and a formal launch of the health awareness campaign was organized. Broad themes for health education sessions and support activities were identified. Risk profiling of employees showed high levels of risk factors and morbidity-more than 15% were found to be hypertensive and around 55% were obese. Stress and back ache were reported by almost half of the respondents. Modifications in the workplace targeting physical and psychosocial work environment were suggested to the committee, as part of the initiative. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of developing and implementing a healthy workplace model in South India. This model can be replicated or adapted in other industries for health promotion and prevention of NCDs.Conclusion:Dedicated and concerted efforts of the management consistent with the requirements of safety, health and environment at work place with appropriate support from the health system can improve the quality of work and working life.

Randomized Control Trial for Reduction of Body Weight, Body Fat Patterning, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight Worksite Employees in Delhi, India

“…In this study, high levels of risk factors, obesity (55%), and hypertension (15%) were recorded. Based on these data, modifications in the workplace targeting physical and psychosocial work environment were suggested by the authors [ 20 ]. In the current study, we show that clustering of multiple risk factors was reduced, along with weight, abdominal, and generalized adiposity, which may contribute to prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.…”

Effectiveness of pedometer-based walking program to improve physical activity of workers in a software industry: An experimental study

“…Earlier study done in this population showed the prevalence of sedentary behavior as 75%. [9] Assuming a reduction of sedentary behavior from 75% to 50% at the end of the intervention, sample size was estimated to be 45. Calculations were done using nMaster software Version 2.0, (Vellore, India) with 95% confidence limits and power of 80%.…”

“…Physical activity profile in a study conducted in a selected industry in South India revealed 75.2% to have a sedentary nature of work. [9] This project studies the effect of pedometer-based intervention in a novel setting of a software company in South India.…”

Psychosocial determinants of physical activity among workers: an integrative review

“… 7 - 9 Given that physical activity increases quality of life and improves overall health, 10 it has been widely recommended as a key component of public health policy 11 and especially recommended for workers in a variety of workplaces. 3 , 12 , 13 …”