Abstract

Although some studies have determined a positive relationship between participation in a wellness program and job performance, no research had focused specifically on the older employee. In the next 10 to 15 years, companies will be retaining and recruiting older workers. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive, retrospective study was to examine the effects of elder employee participation in a wellness program that includes aerobic activity. The Neuman Systems Model was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. The sample (N = 30) consisted of blue-collar workers, age 50 years or older, who were randomly selected using a table of random numbers from a computer printout of an industry located in Mississippi. Benson's Computation Form was used to compile data reflecting employees' productivity, absenteeism, medical costs, and wellness program records. A two-tailed t test was used for statistical analysis with significance at the .05 level. The null hypotheses were Ho^: There will be no difference in productivity rates of employees who participate in a wellness program and employees who do not participate in a wellness program. HOg: There will be no difference in medical costs of employees who participate in a wellness program and employees who do not participate in a wellness program. Ho^: There will be no difference in absenteeism in employees who participate in a wellness program and employees who do not participate in a wellness program. Findings indicated that there was no significant difference in productivity [t (30) = 1.03, p = .31] and medical costs [t (30) = .90, p = .38] between wellness and nonwellness program participants. However, there was a significant difference in absenteeism [t (30) = -2.70, p = .01] with wellness program participants having a lower rate of absenteeism than nonwellness program participants. Implications reflect the need for increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and lower medical costs by industry through promotion of wellness programs, thereby having healthier, more productive employees. The findings of this study suggest that more research is needed to gain greater insight into the needs of workers participating in wellness programs as related to productivity, absenteeism, and medical costs.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1992

Publication Number

27924600

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Second Advisor

Dr. Linda Sullivan

Third Advisor

Peggi Seaman

Document Type

Thesis

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Nursing Commons

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