The BELE program: The development of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program enhancing work-life balance among female employees working in human service organizations in Sweden

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Agosti, Madelaine Törnquist^{a; *} | Bringsén, Åsa^a | Andersson, Ingemar^a | Erlandsson, Lena-Karin^{b; c}

Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden | [b] Department of Health Sciences, Medical faculty, Lund University, Lund, Sweden | [c] School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad Sweden

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Madelaine Törnquist Agosti, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Elmetorpsvägen 15, SE- 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden. Tel.: +46 44 25 03 946; E-mail: madelaine.agosti@hkr.se.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Despite an increase in work-life balance literature, the development of successful support to help employees manage their work -life balance is slow. Moreover, there are few interventions with a comprehensive approach to workplace health promotion focusing on work-life balance. OBJECTIVE:This paper aims to present the development and building blocks of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program, the BELE program, to enhance female employees working in human service organizations health and well-being with a focus on work-life balance. METHODS:The planning and development of the program was done through an intervention mapping and research circles methodology. RESULTS:The planning- and development process of the program resulted in a theoretical framework, and a program structure with a program content. The intervention program was named “The Balance in Everyday Life Empowerment program” (BELE program). CONCLUSIONS:The BELE program adds to the existing body of work-life balance knowledge, so far often based on a conflict approach. Interventions focusing on a comprehensive approach to health and work-life balance with a salutogenic approach are rare. Furthermore, the integration with occupational therapy and health promotion in a workplace health promotion framework is innovative. In a previous study, the BELE program has shown that it enhances women’s well-being and balance in their everyday life.

Keywords: Program planning and development, workplace health promotion, work-life balance, public health, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213560

Journal: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 135-146, 2021