Using smartphone-based applications (apps) in workplace health promotion: The opinion of German and Austrian leaders

Health Informatics J. 2017 Mar;23(1):44-55. doi: 10.1177/1460458215623077. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Abstract

Reaching the actual target group for a web-based health promotion project turns out to be a difficult task. In this article, individual and organizational factors which can influence the decision of using apps in workplace health promotion are analyzed. Furthermore, we analyzed the opinion about feedback possibilities of apps in workplace health promotion. A study with 438 leaders was conducted, as leaders can be seen as a key factor in the success of health promotion projects. The results showed that younger leaders and leaders with a more positive attitude toward workplace health promotion are more likely to use an app. Furthermore, leaders with a positive attitude are more interested in expert-feedback than in instant feedback received from an app.

Keywords: application; feedback; leadership; target group; workplace health promotion.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Austria
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Promotion / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Applications / standards*
  • Mobile Applications / statistics & numerical data
  • Mobile Applications / trends
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Smartphone / statistics & numerical data*
  • Workplace / psychology
  • Workplace / statistics & numerical data*