Outcomes from the city of Ballarat employee health and wellbeing program

Abstract

Background: This study encompassed the development and evaluation of a health and wellbeing program for employees that was based on Self-Determination Theory. Method: A total of 69 employees indicated interest in participating in a 10-week holistic wellbeing program, with 47 commencing and 30 completing the program. Individual health coaching sessions were held pre-, mid-, and post-program. Participants were provided with a Fitbit, an online diet program subscription, and a wellbeing journal. Pre- and post-program assessments included biomedical markers (e.g., cortisol, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight), fitness (e.g., VO2max), cognitive function (e.g., memory, cognitive flexibility), as well as a range of demographic, lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, alcohol & other drug use) and psychosocial variables (e.g., personality, self-esteem, time perspective, health locus of control). Six-month follow-up assessments are planned for June 2016. Findings: Program completers lost an average of 4.88 kg (SD=4.44; F(1,26) = 32.59, p<.001) and 1.5% of body fat (SD = 3.58; F(1,25) = 4.62, p<.05) and reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. They differed significantly from non-completers on agreeableness (F(1,46) = 6.33, p<.05), conscientiousness (F(1,46) = 6.49, p<.05), future time perspective (F(1,46) = 6.77, p<.05), reflective coping style (F(1,46) = 4.96, p<.05) and goal setting beliefs and behaviours (F(1,46) = 4.27, p<.05). Discussion: With a range a significant health and wellbeing outcomes, and a 64% completion rate, this program can be considered successful. Key strengths included the health coaching model, that program activities were designed to facilitate basic psychological need satisfaction, and the employer’s commitment to the process.