Does Availability of Worksite Supports for Physical Activity Differ by Industry and Occupation?

New article in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

  • SO WHAT? Implications for Health Promotion Practitioners and Researchers

    What is already known on this topic?

    Previous research indicates that the presence of WSS for PA can increase the likelihood that employees will meet PA recommendations; however, much research has focused on specific employee groups and/or specific WSS.

    What does this article add?

    This article explores the effectiveness of various combinations of WSS and whether their effectiveness varies by occupation or industry. Specific combinations of WSS, including challenge events plus flextime, exercise programs plus facilities, and so on, are found to increase the likelihood that employees in particular industries/occupations will meet PA recommendations. Many combinations may be of low or no cost to employers.

    What are the implications for health promotion practice or research?

    Employers seeking to increase employee PA may consult these findings to tailor interventions to those combinations of WSS most likely to increase PA of employees in their specific industries/occupations. Even small employers or those with limited employee wellness budgets may consider offering worksite challenge events for weight loss/exercise, flexible time for exercise, or PA breaks during meetings.

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