Management support, worksite culture, and local resources for healthier employees: the Veterans Affairs experience.

Abstract

To determine whether a "worksite culture of health" exists within the Veterans Health Administration and implications on integrating employee health promotion programs. Three national surveys were used-an organizational health survey, a health behaviors survey, and a worksite environment survey. Cross-sectional associations between measures of organizational health and employee health behaviors and between measures of organizational health and worksite environment were assessed. There were significant associations between a number of organizational health measures and a combined measure of health behaviors. Likewise, presence of employee-wellness committees and/or coaches was significantly associated with higher appraisal on organizational health measures. Results suggest that a worksite culture of health exists in some but not all facilities within Veterans Health Administration; this has implications for integrating employee health promotion programs systemwide. A phased-in approach is likely warranted.