Employee Perceptions of Safety, Health, and Well-Being: Focus Group Findings From One Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Abstract

Focus groups were conducted at one veterans affairs (VA) medical center to understand (1) how the work environment and conditions of work influence employee safety, health, and well-being; (2) what programs, policies, and practices promote and protect employee safety and health in VA; and (3) how employee safety, health, and well-being impact the organizational mission. Nine focus groups were conducted with leadership, supervisor, and frontline employees. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and content analysis was performed. Fifty-five employees participated in the focus groups. Six common themes emerged-stressful working conditions, health hazards, organizational factors, current program knowledge, participation barriers, and program suggestions. Employees identified organizational and structural elements of work that impact safety, health, and well-being. Application of the Total Worker Health™ hierarchy of controls provided a novel framework for discussion of focus group findings.