Promoting health in small and medium‐sized enterprises

Abstract

Purpose

Workplaces are described as “excellent” locations for promoting health as many employees spend more time here than in other locations, yet, many organisations overlook this opportunity. This paper seeks to examine the inhibitors and enablers that small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) face when promoting health within their workplaces. Previous research within workplace health promotion has largely focused on large, often multi‐national organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted which involved interviewing health‐promotion champions/co‐ordinators within five SMEs located in south Wales in the UK. A thematic content analysis was undertaken and key themes identified.

Findings

The results identify key enablers to participating in health‐promotion programmes as being an external facilitator and the appointment of an internal health champion/co‐ordinator. The main inhibitors were resources, time and the longevity of the external support funded by a government initiative.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the enablers and barriers to SMEs promoting workplace health. An adaptation of a framework is provided to assist SME owner/managers to promote workplace health.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the workplace health promoting activities of SMEs and particularly the role of externally supported programmes. This paper fills some of the gaps.

Citation

Williams, S.J. and Snow, D.M. (2012), "Promoting health in small and medium‐sized enterprises", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 729-744. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001211277497