High compliance to a worksite vitality intervention leads to improved vitality and reduced work-related fatigue among older hospital workers - Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a worksite vitality intervention on work engagement, productivity, sick leave, vitality (work-related and general), and work-related fatigue.

Methods
Intervention group workers (n=367; control:n=363) received a 6-month intervention containing a Vitality Exercise Programme (VEP) combined with three Personal Vitality Coach (PVC) visits. The VEP consisted of a weekly; guided yoga group session; workout guided group session; and unsupervised aerobic exercising. Free fruit was provided at the VEP. Data on work engagement (UWES), productivity (score from 0 to10), sick leave (yes/no past 3 months), work-related vitality (UWES vitality scale), general vitality (RAND-36 vitality scale), and work-related fatigue (need for recovery scale) were collected using questionnaires. Intervention effects and dose-response relation between group session compliance and vitality (i.e. work-related and general) and work-related fatigue were analysed using linear and logistic regression models.

Results
There were no significant effects of the intervention on work engagement, productivity, sick leave, work-related and general vitality after six and twelve months. Intervention group workers improved their work-related fatigue after 6 months (?=-3.7, 95%CI:-6.8;-0.64), but was not sustained after 12 months (?=-2.1, 95%CI:-5.6;1.4). Yoga and workout subgroup analysis showed a 12-months favourable effect on work-related vitality (?=0.14, 95%CI:0.04;0.28), general vitality (?=2.9, 95%CI:0.02;5.9) and work-related fatigue (?=-4.8, 95%CI:-9.3;-0.32) among high yoga compliers. For high workout compliers this positive trend was also seen, but not statistically significant.

Discussion
As the workforce is rapidly ageing, effective tools are necessary to promote labour participation of older workers. The results of this study shows that a worksite vitality intervention consisting of yoga and workout group sessions favourably affected both work-related and general vitality as well as work-related fatigue. Implementation of worksite yoga and workout facilities seems a useful strategy to promote energy-related work outcomes (i.e. vitality and work-related fatigue), which may contribute to healthy labour participation.