Digital workplace health promotion: a pilot study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany

Abstract

Purpose

Preventing diseases and promoting health is most effective in large settings like the workplace. Digital workplace health promotion (DWHP) became more popular during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While e-health appliances have received research interest, little is known regarding the target populations' perspective on and potentials of the DWPH.

Design/methodology/approach

An online pilot study was done in Germany in June 2021. The study is representative regarding age, gender and education. The user perspective on DWHP was investigated using 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative items.

Findings

The majority of the 690 participants perceives DWHP as valid long-term addition to regular workplace health promotion. Nearly 55.7% use DWHP when available, but most (65.4%) do not use these offers more than regular ones. Spontaneous participation is relevant for about 55%. Problems occur due to technical equipment (29.4%) and premises (36.3%). Open remarks highlight specifics to be observed in offer design, for example, data security issues.

Research limitations/implications

To conclude, DWHP has a high potential to improve health at the workplace initiatives regarding participation rates, outcomes and costs. Challenges can be overcome by ensuring data protection and skills, which can be transferred to other life domains, improving population health. The potentials of DWHP for population health via spillover effects, employee well-being and employer branding have not yet been reached.

Originality/value

The aim of this study is giving a first overview of employee views on and use of DWHP.

Citation

Nöhammer, E. and Fischmann, W. (2023), "Digital workplace health promotion: a pilot study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 313-327. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-03-2023-0041