Barriers to Implementation of Workplace Wellness Programs in Career Fire Service Organizations: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2018.55Keywords:
Wellness, fitness, barriers, implementation, firefighter, leadershipAbstract
Firefighter wellness has become a concern across the country, in large part because a combination
of poor fitness levels, excess weight, and a high-intensity work environment contributes to chronic illness
as well as line-of-duty deaths. Workplace wellness programs are effective in career fire service organiza-
tions, but nationwide implementation rates are low. This study examined the barriers to implementation
in career fire service organizations in the United States. Using a semistructured interview format, 18
fire service leaders from eight different geographically disparate organizations were interviewed. Results
revealed themes involving barriers across categories of buy-in, financial matters, leadership support, and
labor management.
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