Enablers and challenges in implementing a comprehensive workplace health and well-being approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify key enablers and challenges in the implementation of a comprehensive approach to the management of employee well-being. Design/methodology/approach - A large organization which had implemented such an approach was chosen as a case study. Company documents and data regarding the corporate well-being strategy were analysed, informing the content of the approach. Interviews with implementers and managers were conducted to identify how it was done. Findings - The focal organization had several health management systems capable of addressing the requirements for employee well-being management. These included occupational safety and health, health promotion, management of ill-health and human resource management. Key enablers identified were strong senior leadership support, dedicated resources, involvement of stakeholders and intensive communication. Challenges revolved around the integration of these systems into a coherent whole, striking a balance between a focus on occupational risks and lifestyle risks; readiness of managers to bring attention to the concept of employees' well-being and their ability to monitor employees' health-related needs. Together with a target-driven work culture, these challenges worked against promoting well-being. Research limitations/implications - This case study is exploratory. Further research needs to gather direct views of both managers and employees on how the well-being approach had been received. Explanatory research models that integrate health promotion and work management systems to better inform implementation strategy and the roles of managers are needed. Originality/value - The paper shows that line managers need to make greater use of regular management processes such as work planning, formal and informal interactions, and resourcing, to monitor employees' well-being needs. They also need to continually self-assess how their own leadership style may affect employee well-being.