A needs assessment of employee wellness on a college campus.

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to conduct a needs assessment to determine employee interest, preference, and current health status among faculty and staff on a college campus. A review of the literature showed employers should assess needs and preferences of employees to increase participation in Worksite Health Promotion Programs (WHPPs). For the current study, Biometric Screenings (BS) were conducted to establish faculty and staff current health status prior. In addition, the American College Health Association-National Faculty and Staff Health Assessment (ACHA-NFSHA) was sent out to 1,415 faculty and staff at the university to assess interests, preferences, and health status. The results of the needs assessment showed 71.6% of participants considered themselves to be good or very good in overall general health and 78.0% stated it was important or very important to model health and wellness behavior to students. The number one barrier to participation in employee wellness programs was time management. Both the survey and biometric screenings indicated a need for diabetes and heart health education programs to be offered on campus to employees. In conclusion, multi-component needs assessments are important tools for accurately identifying needs, preferences, and health status of university employees.