Development and Pilot Test of an Online Training to Engage Managers to Support Workplace Wellness

Abstract

Objective: To contribute to a broader understanding of effective implementation strategies to help managers engage employees in workplace wellness.

Methods: We beta-tested an online training at four Washington state agencies (two test, two control). We administered a post-training evaluation, re-administered an online manager survey and conducted additional interviews with wellness leads.

Results: Training participation rate was high. The two test agencies experienced a significant increase in the percentage of managers who: agreed that they received training on employee wellness; agreed their agency's culture supports employee wellness; and encouraged their employees to participate in wellness activities. Approximately 80% of managers who received the training agreed they could apply information learned to support employee wellness.

Conclusions: If proven effective, the training could be administered at a low cost and disseminated to improve employee health.