The effects of workplace flexibility on health behaviors: a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between workplace flexibility and health behaviors, and estimate the potential importance of flexibility for effective worksite health promotion programs.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and longitudinal health risk appraisal data were obtained from US based employees of a multinational pharmaceutical company (n = 3193). Examined health behaviors were hours of sleep, physical activity frequency, health education seminar attendance, frequency of practicing personal resilience techniques, and self-appraised lifestyle. Self-reported flexibility in the workplace was the primary independent variable.


RESULTS
Each health behavior, except regular attendance in health education seminars, was positively related to perceived flexibility in cross-sectional analyses. Sleep and self-appraised lifestyle were significantly related to changes in perceived flexibility over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Workplace flexibility may contribute to positive lifestyle behaviors, and may play an important role in effective worksite health promotion programs.
Grzywacz
Joseph G
JG
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, USA. grzywacz@wfubmc.edu
Casey
Patrick R
PR
Jones
Fiona A
FA
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004345:Drug Industry; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016526:Workload