Identifying Risks Associated With Workplace Health and Employee Wellness

Abstract

Background: Well-being at the workplace influences health and productivity and a negative work environment may lead to physical and mental health problems. Objectives: The current study aimed to measure the attitude and perception of the workforce towards work place environment and to identify key factors affecting workplace health and employee engagement and wellness. Methods: A survey study was conducted over a period of three months at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University, United Arab Emirates. The Mental health America’s Workplace Mental Health Survey was used to collect data from a random sample of employees in the study settings. The objective of the study was adequately explained to participants and their informed consent was obtained with assured confidentiality. Results: The overall mean score of respondents satisfaction was 61.0 ± 8.1 SD. Employees responses towards workplace was significantly lower among full time university personnel than those at affiliated teaching hospitals (59.3±6.9 vs. 62,3±8.7, p=0.01). Work insecurity was the only item which was negatively correlated with the overall score (r= -0.72; p=0.02). The rate of absenteeism, Engaging in unhealthy behavior due to workplace stress and Speaking poorly about the workplace were strongly correlated with overall workplace health score (r=0.5;P=0.001). Support from colleagues and supervisor were correlated with overall job satisfaction (r=0.3 and r= 0.2; p=0.01 respectively). Conclusion: Respondents were generally happy with the state of their workplace. However, workplace perquisites such as open door policies, flexible time arrangement; opportunities for professional development promote more positive attitude and perceptions.