Date of Award
1982
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Samuel Zibit
Second Advisor
Richard Rickert
Third Advisor
Arlene Taich
Abstract
The thesis, The Development and Application of a Wellness Program for Employees at DePaul Community Health Center, examines the effectiveness of employee wellness programs in improving individual well-being while benefiting organizations through reduced healthcare costs and enhanced work performance. The study begins with an overview of the health status of the American workforce and the rising cost of healthcare for businesses. It includes a literature review exploring cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of wellness programs.
A theoretical framework is introduced, emphasizing behavioral changes necessary for health promotion in the workplace. The Employee Wellness Program (EWP) at DePaul Community Health Center (DPCHC) serves as the primary case study, detailing its structure, goals, participant engagement strategies, and evaluation methods. The program includes self-assessments, health education, lifestyle interventions, and reinforcement techniques to encourage positive behavioral changes.
Due to its pilot nature, the study focuses on qualitative assessments rather than formal research studies. While the thesis demonstrates individual benefits for participants, it acknowledges the difficulty of quantifying organizational benefits. It recommends further research to determine the long-term cost-effectiveness of workplace wellness initiatives. Ultimately, the study supports the idea that proactive health promotion programs can lead to healthier employees and potential financial savings for organizations.
Recommended Citation
Roby, Maxine Louise, "The Development and Application of a Wellness Program for Employees at DePaul Community Health Center" (1982). Theses. 1295.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1295
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
