Employers' Perspectives on Motivations, Barriers, and Effectiveness of Health and Productivity Management in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

Abstract

This study examined the motivations, barriers, and effectiveness of employee health care among employers of Certified Health and Productivity Management (HPM) Outstanding Organizations in small and medium-sized enterprises. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to employers of 4797 corporations certified as outstanding in HPM in 2020. The survey assessed their motivations, barriers, and perceived effectiveness of HPM implementation. A total of 1901 employers, representing their corporations, responded (response rate: 40%). The most frequently cited barrier was engaging employees in HPM (64%). The most common effects were improved employee lifestyle and health literacy (56%), increased safety awareness (40%), and enhanced competitiveness in recruitment (33%). These findings can inform strategies to enhance employers' awareness of employee health care and promote effective HPM implementation.