A Qualitative Analysis of Workers Perceptions on the Role of Management in Promoting Health Behavior, Informed by the COM-B Model

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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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.