Effectiveness of workplace interventions for health promotion

Abstract

Workplaces are an important setting for health promotion. Although the effectiveness of workplace health promotion has been evaluated in studies of specific interventions, there is a need for a comprehensive overview. To fill this gap, we present a meta-analysis of 88 studies and 339 estimates published between 2011 and 2024, covering a wide range of workplace health interventions. Mental health and stress reduction were the most frequently studied targets (36%), followed by weight management and cardiometabolic health (25%), health-related behaviors (22%) and musculoskeletal disorders and pain (17%). Cognitive-behavioral techniques, stress management, physically oriented methods and e-health interventions showed some effectiveness. Multi-component interventions had small but measurable effects on weight loss, blood sugar levels, fruit consumption and seasonal flu vaccination. A variety of behavioral, physical activity, environmental and multidisciplinary interventions were implemented to improve the health status of the population.