Workplace Health and Wellbeing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Provision and Support Uptake

Nigel Lloyd (), Nigel Smeeton, Imogen Freethy, Julia Jones, Wendy Wills, Abi Dennington-Price, John Jackson and Katherine Brown
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Nigel Lloyd: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Nigel Smeeton: Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health & Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Imogen Freethy: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Julia Jones: Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health & Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Wendy Wills: Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health & Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Abi Dennington-Price: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
John Jackson: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Katherine Brown: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 1, 1-44

Abstract: Today’s challenging times highlight the need for workplaces to support employee wellbeing. Workplaces can offer a means to improve employee wellbeing and promote health initiatives. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are less likely than larger organizations to engage with workplace wellbeing initiatives or offer wellbeing provision. This study, conducted in an urban area in central England, explores SME engagement with local government workplace wellbeing provision, and barriers and facilitators to SME engagement, SME implementation of wellbeing provision, and employee uptake. A mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected via a survey of 103 SMEs and qualitative data from three focus groups with stakeholders involved in promoting SME engagement with wellbeing support (n = 9) and 16 in-depth interviews with SME representatives (n = 8) and employees (n = 8). Quantitative data were analyzed using the chi-squared, Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. Findings highlighted several interrelated factors acting as barriers and facilitators to SME engagement with wellbeing initiatives, SME-provided wellbeing provision, and employee uptake. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health teams, and SME leaders on improving provision of and engagement with wellbeing programs. Trust, awareness, knowledge, and communication are highlighted as important prerequisites of optimal provision and engagement.

Keywords: workplace wellbeing; SME; public health; small and medium sized enterprises; barriers and facilitators; health and wellbeing support; workplace health promotion; mixed method; health and wellbeing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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