An Email-Based Workplace Health Intervention: Failures, Lessons Learned, and Guidance for Future Research

Abstract

A brief email-based workplace health intervention aimed at modifying employee well-being was evaluated. Data were collected from 346 faculty and staff members. A unique set of outcomes (workaholism, work stress, job satisfaction) and moderators (self-efficacy, mindfulness) were utilized. The interventions failed to produce significant behavior changes in the targeted outcomes. Future investigators should examine the amount of active participation to provide insight on inactive participants and the appropriate amount of time needed for effective interventions. To accomplish health goals in holistic Employee Assistance Programs, increased levels of tailoring to employee’s needs should be implemented when using non-intrusive email-based workplace interventions.