Comprehensive Needs Assessment for Workplace Health Promotion: A Case Study of the University of Bern.

Objectives: To understand the holistic state of work conditions, health and wellbeing of University of Bern employees through a social-ecological lens.

Methods: A comprehensive assessment included analysis of existing measures, stakeholder mapping, employee survey, expert interviews, a reflection and evaluation instrument, policy analysis, and environmental analysis.

Results: Integrating results revealed that the University provides numerous employee health opportunities such as broad variety and frequency of university sports options, good working climate, ergonomic workplace, well-developed and centrally established communications department, extensive range of Bernese universities independent counselling center services, and some relevant health promotion policies. However, these opportunities are not integrated into a systematic health strategy. Further analyses indicated four fields of action: 1) to anchor health promotion in the university culture and organization; 2) to promote mental health, wellbeing, and stress management; 3) to improve health promotion communication; and 4) to ensure sustainability, to implement continuous process and outcome evaluation of the actions.

Conclusion: This could serve as a blueprint model for universities ensuring a holistic understanding of health and wellbeing, and informing related practical implications and organizational health governance.