Volume 11 — July 17, 2014
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
Development of a Logic Model for a Physical Activity–Based Employee Wellness Program for Mass Transit Workers
The logic model consists of a series of boxes arranged in 4 columns: Resources, Activities, Outputs, and Outcomes. The Outcomes column is further divided into Short-term and Long-term. Arrows indicate that Resources lead to activities and activities lead to outputs. A final arrow points from Outputs to Outcomes.
The Resources column consists of 3 boxes: Onsite Fitness Center, Employee Input and Direction, and Promotions/Incentives. These 3 boxes describe the resources in these categories. The Onsite Fitness Center is described as dedicated for use by mass transit employees and families for a nominal fee and has a mass transit district personal trainer. The Employee Input and Direction category has support from administration and a Fitness Committee, comprising mass transit district employees. Promotions/Incentives are modest financial resources based on Fitness Center membership.
The Activities column has 3 boxes that describe the activities in these categories: Onsite Fitness Center, Employee Input and Direction, and Promotion/Incentives. Components of the Onsite Fitness Center are one-on-one personal training meetings and physical activity competitions based on Fitness Center use. Components of the Employee Input and Direction category are e-mail communication and Active Living Every Day classes. Finally, Promotions/Incentives are based on physical activity competitions, self-assessments, and other activities.
The Outputs column has 3 boxes: increased Fitness Center use by employees, mutual accountability between the mass transit district personal trainer and mass transit district employees, and increased participation of employees in additional worksite wellness programs.
The Outcomes column has 2 subcategories: short-term and long-term. The short-term outcomes are cognitive processes, behavioral processes, physical health changes, and mental health changes. Cognitive processes have 4 short-term outcomes: increased understanding of physical activity benefits, increased problem-solving abilities to overcome barriers to physical activity, increased awareness of physical activity throughout the day, and developed an interest in health. Behavioral Processes has 4 outcomes: enlisted social support, increased self-confidence, reminded oneself to be more physically active, and engaged in more physical activity. Physical Health Changes has 5 short-term outcomes: decreased blood pressure, decreased body weight, improved body composition, improved glucose levels, and improved cholesterol levels. Finally, Mental Health Changes has 5 short-term outcomes: improved perceived stress levels, decreased fatigue, improved sleep quality, decreased pain, and improved functionality.
The 6 long-term outcomes are continued increase in usage of the Fitness Center, maintenance of physical health indicators, maintenance of mental health indicators, reduction in medical claims, reduction in sick time taken, and reduction in presenteeism.
The logic model’s key attribute is using physical activity as the cornerstone of resources. If all resources are provided, then activities will be implemented, resulting in a series of outputs and short- and long-term outcomes. The overarching goal is to create a healthier workforce.
Figure. Creating a Healthier, More Productive Workforce Through Worksite Physical Activity: the logic model for a physical activity-based worksite wellness initiative for mass transit district employees.
The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions.
