A qualitative analysis of workers perceptions on the role of management in promoting health behaviour, informed by the COM-B model.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to explore the viewpoints held by employees at a pharmaceutical manufacturing workplace in a middle-income country regarding management's role in promoting health behaviours in the workplace. METHODS: This study used transcripts of focus group discussion from an original study that investigated employee perceptions of factors associated with healthy behaviours among South African pharmaceutical manufacturing factory workers. RESULTS: Participants felt that workplace managers could improve capability through health promotion strategies, supportive leadership and promoting a culture of health. They could provide opportunity through employee engagement programs and resources, and physical activity opportunities were specifically identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that managers in a middle-income country have the potential to contribute to workplace health in a range of ways that include addressing capability, opportunity and motivation of their workers.