Factors Influencing Investments In Wellness Programmes By Corporate Organizations, A Case Of Kenya Bureau Of Standards

Abstract

This was a descriptive research study to assess factors influencing investments in wellness programmes by corporate organizations, a case of Kenya Bureau of standards (KEBS). The purpose of the study was to assess how the increasing burden of NCDs had influenced investments and utilization of employee wellness services as control measures. Specific objectives for the study were: to assess how NCD prevalence influence organizations’ investment in wellness programmes; to determine how employee absenteeism due to NCDs influence organizations’’ investment in wellness programmes; to establish the influence of NCD-related medical costs on organizations’ investment in wellness programmes; to assess the extent of investment and utilization of wellness programmes The study was conducted at KEBs head office in Nairobi which had a population of 550 staff. Stratified random sampling was used to select 110 respondents which represented 20% of the study population. Data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected employees and through interview guide with key informants: the human resource office, the staff clinic doctor and the organization wellness programmes coordinator. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse collected data. Analysed data was presented using frequency tables and percentages. The study established a third (33%) of respondents suffered from NCDs. 70% of respondents had taken sick leave in past three months with NCDs stated as a major cause for absenteeism. On NCD related costs, all cases of hospital admissions in past 12 months were due to NCDs. The study also established that KEBS management had investments in the major areas of employee wellness programmes. Further, the study established that there was underutilization of wellness programmes by employees. For example; the gym was attended to by only 17% while 56% of employees did know that NCD screening was provided under their medical insurance scheme. The study concluded that there was a high burden of NCDs at KEBS and this had resulted in KEBS management investing in wellness programmes, however, this investment was ineffective and expected results were unlikely due to under-utilization the wellness programmes by employees. The study recommended sensitizations for organizations’ management teams to encourage employee uptake of wellness services as well as public sensitizations on the effects of NCDs and the effectiveness of wellness programs. Further research was recommended to establish the reasons for underutilization of wellness programmes and to establish additional factors influencing investment and utilization of wellness programs in corporate organizations