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Description

Workplace wellness programs have become increasingly relevant as organizations seek to improve employee health, enhance productivity, and reduce healthcare costs. Despite widespread implementation, evidence regarding their effectiveness remains mixed, and less attention has been given to the perspectives of employers and organizational leaders who design, implement, and sustain these programs. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine employer perspectives on workplace wellness programs, with a focus on organizational factors influencing implementation, engagement, and perceived value.

A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Merrimack library resources. After title screening, duplicate removal, and abstract review, 66 full-text articles were assessed for inclusion.

Findings suggest that leadership support and organizational culture play a crucial role in the implementation and effectiveness of workplace wellness programs, with stronger cultures of health promotion associated with greater program success and engagement. A significant disconnect also emerged between employer perceptions of existing wellness offerings and the actual effectiveness of these programs. Structural and organizational factors such as resource availability, company size, and competing workplace priorities continue to influence program feasibility and sustainability, often acting as both facilitators and barriers. While many employers recognize the potential value of wellness programs in improving productivity and employee well-being, uncertainty surrounding measurable outcomes and return on investment remains a persistent challenge.

Overall, this review highlights the importance of employer-centered approaches in the development and evaluation of workplace wellness programs and highlights the need for consistent, long-term evidence to support future success of workplace wellness.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Workplace Wellness Programs, Employer Perspectives, Organizational Factors

Employer Attitudes and Organizational Factors Influencing Workplace Wellness Program Implementation and Success: A Systematic Review

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