Digital workplace health promotion: a pilot study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany
International Journal of Workplace Health Management
ISSN: 1753-8351
Article publication date: 20 July 2023
Issue publication date: 28 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Preventing diseases and promoting health is most effective in large settings like the workplace. Digital workplace health promotion (DWHP) became more popular during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While e-health appliances have received research interest, little is known regarding the target populations' perspective on and potentials of the DWPH.
Design/methodology/approach
An online pilot study was done in Germany in June 2021. The study is representative regarding age, gender and education. The user perspective on DWHP was investigated using 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative items.
Findings
The majority of the 690 participants perceives DWHP as valid long-term addition to regular workplace health promotion. Nearly 55.7% use DWHP when available, but most (65.4%) do not use these offers more than regular ones. Spontaneous participation is relevant for about 55%. Problems occur due to technical equipment (29.4%) and premises (36.3%). Open remarks highlight specifics to be observed in offer design, for example, data security issues.
Research limitations/implications
To conclude, DWHP has a high potential to improve health at the workplace initiatives regarding participation rates, outcomes and costs. Challenges can be overcome by ensuring data protection and skills, which can be transferred to other life domains, improving population health. The potentials of DWHP for population health via spillover effects, employee well-being and employer branding have not yet been reached.
Originality/value
The aim of this study is giving a first overview of employee views on and use of DWHP.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Dr. Nadja Amler for her work in the project.
Citation
Nöhammer, E. and Fischmann, W. (2023), "Digital workplace health promotion: a pilot study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 313-327. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-03-2023-0041
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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