Management support, worksite culture, and local resources for healthier employees: the Veterans Affairs experience

J Occup Environ Med. 2013 Mar;55(3):310-7. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31827dba1e.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether a "worksite culture of health" exists within the Veterans Health Administration and implications on integrating employee health promotion programs.

Methods: Three national surveys were used-an organizational health survey, a health behaviors survey, and a worksite environment survey. Cross-sectional associations between measures of organizational health and employee health behaviors and between measures of organizational health and worksite environment were assessed.

Results: There were significant associations between a number of organizational health measures and a combined measure of health behaviors. Likewise, presence of employee-wellness committees and/or coaches was significantly associated with higher appraisal on organizational health measures.

Conclusion: Results suggest that a worksite culture of health exists in some but not all facilities within Veterans Health Administration; this has implications for integrating employee health promotion programs systemwide. A phased-in approach is likely warranted.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Policy
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Promotion / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / organization & administration*
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / statistics & numerical data