Model for an Employee Wellness Project

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A pilot project designed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a health-related employee assistance program was implemented at the University of South Carolina. One hundred interested participants were randomly selected from university faculty and administrative staff. The project utilized the following methods: 1) psychophysical tests including health risk appraisals, health knowledge levels, physical activity assessments, psychological batteries of tests, and biophysical data obtained through a treadmill stress test, percent body fat, blood analysis, blood pressure, and pulmonary function; 2) individual health consultants who served to inform, model, and encourage participants to practice healthful behaviors; 3) group programs related to self-care/wellness promotion techniques; 4) mass media contact to repeat and reinforce healthful behaviors; 5) wellness-oriented social activities, such as fun runs, meatless covered dish dinners, etc. Results of the project included statistically significant pre/post change in weight, percent body fat, physical activity scores, health knowledge levels, pulmonary function, and self-esteem. The positive, enthusiastic group attitude and sustained project involvement all suggest the effectiveness of the model as an employee health intervention program.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: