The impact of a prospective survey-based workplace intervention program on employee health, biologic stress markers, and organizational productivity.
OBJECTIVE
To study whether knowledge about psychosocial work indicators and a structured method to implement changes based on such knowledge comprise an effective management tool for enhancing organizational as well as employee health and well-being.


METHODS
White- collar employees representing 22 different work units were assessed before and after a 1-year intervention program. Subjective ratings on health and work environment, biologic markers, absenteeism, and productivity were measured.


RESULTS
Significant improvements in performance feedback, participatory management, employeeship, skills development, efficiency, leadership, employee well-being, and work-related exhaustion were identified. The restorative hormone testosterone increased during the intervention and changes correlated with increased overall organizational well-being. Absenteeism decreased and productivity improved.


CONCLUSIONS
Fact-based psychosocial workplace interventions are suggested to be an important process for enhancing employee well-being as well as organizational performance.
Anderzén
Ingrid
I
Section for Social Medicine, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden. ingrid.anderzen@pubcare.uu.se
Arnetz
Bengt B
BB
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
D008055:Lipids