Exploring workplace related health resources from a salutogenic perspective: Results from a focus group study among healthcare workers in Sweden

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore healthcare workers' opinions on workplace related health resources relevant to promotion of their health. Participants: 16 registered nurses and 19 assistant nurses, from a medical emergency ward at a medium sized hospital in the south of Sweden, participated in the study. Methods: Eight focus group interviews were conducted, the material was condensed and conventional qualitative content analysis was used to elicit and identify patterns in the expressed opinions of the participants. Results: The analysis yielded four themes that were labelled the reward, the team, the mission and the context. An explanatory model was constructed consisting of concentric circles, with the reward at the core. The qualitative analysis also revealed two divergent patterns; some of the participants associated positive health with stability while others referred to flexibility. Conclusions: The results from this study have contributed to the body of knowledge regarding salutogenic health indicators in the field of work and health research in particular as well as in health promotion in general. The findings show that individuals can have diverse responses to any given work situation, and this should be taken into account before implementation of salutogenic health promotion programs.

Future challenges for occupational health services can be prevented by proactive collaboration with the companies using the services: a participatory and reflection project

“…Bringsén et al showed that occupational health in general must focus more on health promotion 3. To work with health promotion with a salutogenic approach can be the future for OHSs.…”

“…They pointed out how important it is that the occupational health professional visit the companies more frequently for meetings and discussions with the employees. This can be in a salutogenic approach making employees feel involved and included 3. The managers wanted more education regarding work environment, and this is something that the OHSC should develop.…”

“…A salutogenic perspective is to be used as a guide for health promotion because it highlights opportunities and identifies resources instead of focusing on risk factors for diseases. To meet these challenges in occupational health, it is vital to draw attention to health promotion built on a salutogenic perspective 3. The organization of OHSs is also important to take into account.…”

Resources for work‐related well‐being: A qualitative study about healthcare employees’ experiences of relationships at work

“…Knowledge about the ways relationships at work can serve as a resource for creating a sustainable workplace that improves and maintains well-being among employees is needed (Brings en, Andersson, Ejlertsson, & Troein, 2012;Bronkhorst, Tummers, Steijn, & Vijverberg, 2015;Nilsson, Andersson, Ejlertsson, & Troein, 2012;Umberson & Montez, 2010;Zhang, Punnett, & Gore, 2014). As relationships occur in many parts of healthcare work, efforts to identify relationships and social climate among healthcare workers may be vital for employee well-being (Ljungblad, Granstr€ om, Dellve, & Akerlind, 2014).…”

Exploring communication processes in workplace meetings: A mixed methods study in a Swedish healthcare organization

“…An open communication climate is essential to achieve a better work environment [6] and it can therefore be regarded as health-promoting as it strengthens conditions for employee to exert influence and became involved [7]. …”