The Effect of Workplace Health Promotion Programs on Quality of Life in Women Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Aysenur Karakus, Gokcen Akyurek
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed workplace health promotion programs for health and quality of life among women employees. It included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 3,962 female employees; 11 trials contributed to the meta-analysis. Programs included physical activity, mindfulness, self-management education, and relaxation. The pooled analysis found a significant positive effect on overall quality of life (SMD = 0.71). General quality of life improved significantly, while physical health outcomes showed a small-to-moderate, consistent effect. Psychological and mental health effects were positive but not statistically significant and showed substantial heterogeneity.
Key findings
- Across 11 trials in the meta-analysis, programs had a significant positive effect on overall quality of life (SMD = 0.71).
- Subgroup analyses found significant improvement in general quality of life.
- Physical health outcomes showed a small-to-moderate, consistent effect.
- Psychological and mental health effects were positive but non-significant, with substantial heterogeneity.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that workplace programs may support quality of life and physical health among female employees across varied work settings. The less certain psychological and mental health results indicate that benefits may differ by outcome and intervention. Evidence on longer-term outcomes and the needs of specific groups of women remains important for judging how best to design such programs.
What to keep in mind
Only 11 of the 20 included trials contributed to the meta-analysis. Psychological and mental health outcomes had substantial heterogeneity, and the review identifies long-term outcomes as an area needing further research.