Exploring Equity and Inclusiveness in Workplace Wellness Programmes: A Multi-Case Study on Programme Access and Participation

<p dir="ltr">ABSTRACT</p><p dir="ltr">The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension is a growing public health concern, significantly impacting individual and population health. This study examines the role of workplace wellness programmes in addressing these health challenges, emphasising the need for inclusivity and equity in programme design and implementation.</p><p dir="ltr">Workplace wellness programmes (WWPs), initially developed to enhance safety and product quality, have evolved to address modifiable health risk factors through comprehensive health promotion initiatives. However, existing programmes often inadequately address the diverse needs of various employee groups, particularly frontline and marginalised workers, who face significant barriers to participation. Framed within a public health leadership and equity lens, the research problem centres on the disconnect between wellness programme intent and lived experience.</p><p dir="ltr">While many programmes are designed with the goal of improving population health and reducing healthcare costs, they frequently overlook the social determinants of health that shape participation and outcomes for marginalised employees.</p><p dir="ltr">Literature findings reveal that while workplace wellness programmes can reduce absenteeism, healthcare costs, and improve employee engagement and productivity, their effectiveness is often limited by factors such as inadequate inclusivity and equity in programme design, which further impact programme access and participation. Programmes that fail to consider the broader determinants of health may not achieve the desired health outcomes across employee groups. The literature suggests that inclusive and equity-oriented wellness strategies must move beyond individual behaviour change models and instead embrace structural, participatory, and systems-informed approaches. Despite this, limited empirical data exist to guide practitioners and leaders in operationalising such approaches in complex workplace environments.</p><p dir="ltr">This study adopted a multiple-case, mixed-methods pre-action research design consisting of three phases: (1) a document review of internal policies, strategies, and wellness-related materials from both companies; (2) semi-structured interviews with wellness professionals, human resource leads, and executives; and (3) focus group discussions with employees, with particular attention to shift-based, operational, and frontline roles. The research was guided by a social ecological model for health and informed by frameworks of cultural adaptation and sensitivity, patient-centred care and collaborative decision making, and inclusive and adaptive leadership, all of which align with anti-racism and equity (ARE) principles.</p><p dir="ltr">This study identified critical gaps in current wellness initiatives, including the underrepresentation of low-income and minority employees in programme design, implementation, and participation.</p><p dir="ltr">By centering the perspectives of marginalised employee groups and those responsible for wellness programme delivery, the study sought to inform the design of more equitable, contextually relevant, and sustainable wellness programmes. It also provides practical insights for public health leaders, human resource practitioners, and organisational decision-makers. Takeaways for public health leadership include the need for stronger alignment between wellness and DEIB strategies; participatory design processes that engage frontline staff; leadership modelling of wellness behaviours; and systems-level thinking that integrates wellness into the core of organisational life.</p><p dir="ltr">Ultimately, the study contributes to advancing a workplace culture where health equity is not only aspirational but actionable.</p>

Author dc:creator

• Mbali Maseko (22614446)

• Health equity
• Health promotion
• Preventative health care
• Social determinants of health
• Public health not elsewhere classified
• Other health sciences not elsewhere classified
• Workplace wellness interventions
• Workplace Wellness
• workplace well-being interventions
• Employee wellness programs
• Employee Wellbeing
• Workplace wellness programme access and participation
• Workplace wellness programme equity
• Inclusion in workplace wellness programmes
• inclusion in workplace wellness programs

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.30616160.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/30616160