The impact of a prospective survey-based workplace intervention program on employee health, biologic stress markers, and organizational productivity

Objective: To study whether knowledge about psychosocial work indicators and a structured method to implement changes based on such knowledge comprise an effective management toot for enhancing organizational as well as employee health and well-being. Methods: White-collar employees representing 22 different work units were assessed before and after a 1-year intervention program. Subjective ratings on health and work environment, biologic markers, absenteeism, and productivity were measured. Results: Significant improvements in performance feedback, participatory management, employeeship, skills development, efficiency, leadership, employee well-being, and work-related exhaustion were identified. The restorative hormone testosterone increased during the intervention and changes correlated with increased overall organizational well-being. Absenteeism decreased and productivity improved. Conclusions: Fact-based psychosocial workplace interventions are suggested to be an important process for enhancing employee well-being as well as organizational performance.