Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The practice of health promotion involves engaging stakeholders from multiple sectors to help individuals in communities make better choices regarding their wellness. The practice of engaging small businesses in health promotion is of a particular importance given a major public health crisis - the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, small businesses employ a significant number of people, yet they have adopted fewer wellness programs than large corporations.
Objectives: To assess evidence around key issues with the engagement of small business employers in the adoption of workplace wellness programs.
Methods: A literature search was undertaken in databases for studies published before January 2020; articles were searched in the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases. One author independently screened the articles for relevance and two authors selected the articles for inclusion. Data was extracted by one researcher and evaluated by two researchers. Studies were assessed using GRADEpro software.
Results: Of the 95 studies, a total of 15 met the inclusion criteria. Employee wellness is essential within small business communities and broader communities. Costs and a lack of support around designing, implementing, and evaluating a wellness program were identified as critical issues for small business employers. Partnering with a third-party practice that holds expertise in this field can provide support to small businesses, while helping to manage costs associated with delivering a wellness program.
Conclusions: Barriers that limit small business employers from engaging in health promotion by providing a workplace wellness program are related to costs and having a lack of expertise. A reported strategy that can be used to mitigate these key issues involves using a third-party practice.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Stakeholder engagement can be used to engage the small business community in health promotion.
Objectives: To assess evidence around key issues with the engagement of small business employers in the adoption of workplace wellness programs.
Methods: A literature search was undertaken in databases for studies published before January 2020; articles were searched in the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases. One author independently screened the articles for relevance and two authors selected the articles for inclusion. Data was extracted by one researcher and evaluated by two researchers. Studies were assessed using GRADEpro software.
Results: Of the 95 studies, a total of 15 met the inclusion criteria. Employee wellness is essential within small business communities and broader communities. Costs and a lack of support around designing, implementing, and evaluating a wellness program were identified as critical issues for small business employers. Partnering with a third-party practice that holds expertise in this field can provide support to small businesses, while helping to manage costs associated with delivering a wellness program.
Conclusions: Barriers that limit small business employers from engaging in health promotion by providing a workplace wellness program are related to costs and having a lack of expertise. A reported strategy that can be used to mitigate these key issues involves using a third-party practice.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Stakeholder engagement can be used to engage the small business community in health promotion.