Organizational facilitators and barriers for participation in workplace health promotion in healthcare: A qualitative interview study among nurses

Abstract

BackgroundThere is evidence for the positive effects of workplace health promotion (WHP) for nurses. Although this highly stressed target group also actively desires WHP, the number of participants is low. Individual reasons play a role in the decision to engage in WHP activities, yet it is interesting to consider which organizational factors a company could address to improve participation. In this regard, the question arises of what organizational factors facilitate participation in WHP activities from the perspective of nurses in inpatient care facility (ICF), outpatient care service (OCS), and acute care hospitals (ACH).MethodSixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in different care settings between May and September 2021. Questions about everyday working life, WHP activities, and organizational framework conditions were asked.ResultThe results show that there is a wide range of influencing factors at the organizational level, some overall settings, and others setting-specific. High workload and the fit of WHP activities with shift times were particularly inhibiting overall settings. A negative association with the employer worked as a barrier in ICF and ACH.ConclusionWhen implementing WHP activities, it can be useful to consider organizational facilitators and barriers to promote sustainable and attractive WHP activities and higher participation rates in the different settings of nursing.

Recommendations for supporting healthcare workers’ psychological well-being: Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This aligns with reports of barriers and enablers to participation in workplace wellness programs from the perspectives of end-users and the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, which highlight the importance of leadership support and corporate culture. [8][9][10]14 By participating themselves, leaders can counteract the negative stigma ingrained in healthcare culture and nurture an environment conducive to discussing distress and seeking support. Leaders' routine reminders to their teams about programming can lower pragmatic barriers to accessing wellness programming, including lack of awareness.…”

“…Leaders’ routine reminders to their teams about programming can lower pragmatic barriers to accessing wellness programming, including lack of awareness. 8 2. Leadership and organizational priorities and attitudes impact local culture, which is an important consideration in implementation.…”

“…[8][9][10] Bleier et al identified reasons for nonparticipation including not being aware of the activities, timefit with shift work, and long commutes to access activities. 8 In contrast, reasons for participation included affordability and good communication about available resources. Leadership support and corporate culture were also identified as influencing participation.…”

“…Healthcare workers have been interviewed to identify factors that influence the uptake of supportive resources during the pandemic. [8][9][10] Bleier et al identified reasons for nonparticipation including not being aware of the activities, timefit with shift work, and long commutes to access activities. 8 In contrast, reasons for participation included affordability and good communication about available resources.…”

“…Leadership support and corporate culture were also identified as influencing participation. 8 There is a growing body of literature regarding the experiences of targeted end-users of wellness programs, but little is known about the experiences of program implementors and facilitators.…”