1 MANAGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMS IN SELECTED IT AND ITeS COMPANIES LOCATED AT HINJEWADI AND AUNDH IT PARK” A SYNOPSIS SUBMITTED TO THE TILAK MAHARASHTRA VIDYAPEETH, PUNE FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MANAGEMENT UNDER THE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT BY MS. RAJASSHRIE S. DHOBALE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF DR. PRASANNA G. DESHMUKH, MARCH - 2012
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MANAGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
PROGRAMS IN SELECTED IT AND ITeS
COMPANIES LOCATED AT HINJEWADI AND
AUNDH IT PARK”
A SYNOPSIS SUBMITTED TO
THE TILAK MAHARASHTRA VIDYAPEETH, PUNE
FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN MANAGEMENT
UNDER THE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT
BY
MS. RAJASSHRIE S. DHOBALE
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
DR. PRASANNA G. DESHMUKH,
MARCH - 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Sl. No. Title Page No.
1. Background 1
2. Purpose of the study 2
3. Reasons to choose the topic 2
4. Significance of the Study 3
5. Scope of the Study 4
6. Period of the Study 4
7. Objective of the Study 4
8. Hypotheses 5
9 Research Methodology and Technique 5
10 Limitations of the Study 9
11 Chapter Scheme 10
12 Findings 10
13 Conclusions 16
14 Suggestions 21
15 Scope for further Research 32
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SYNOPSIS
Employee Wellness Programs (EWPs) is a new buzzword which came into existence in
India, post globalization after the progress of IT sector in India. Employee Welfare
programs already existed in different companies in India. The workplace has changed due
to globalization and technology advancement, which is making a great impact on the
lives of the employees.
1. BACKGROUND:
Jobs in IT and ITeS industry are knowledge driven and stress is existent in reality. The
reason can be pressure from seniors, target oriented approach, relationship with co-
workers, lack of personal time, spouse stress, children stress and the list goes on. This
stress can create many mental and health weaknesses which would affect the performance
and productivity of the employee. The personal weaknesses of employees due to stress
may be lack of time management, relationships, assertiveness, goals, lack of confidence
etc. Employees can face many chronic health diseases.
Paradigm shift from just labour welfare to employee wellness:
Consideration of the Human Element of Human Resources.
Evolution of Human Resources Management to Strategic Human Resource
Management.
Knowledge based jobs so human beings are more important.
24/7 work culture wherein employees are working in the company for longer time
so the company should be a fun place so that the employees can relax for some
period of time.
Generation Y workforce have a lot of expectation from employers.
Dual Career couples in an organization.
More number of female employees in IT and ITeS companies.
Organizations growth is solely dependent on star employees at workplace.
To take care of meritorious employees.
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For employee engagement and employee retention.
To foster innovation and creativity in employees.
To provide social life to the employees at the workplace.
To help employees to tackle the stress at the workplace.
It is utmost important for companies to take care of employees in a special way not just
by providing basic welfare facilities.
2. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
As IT and ITeS companies have most of the knowledge workers who face stress which
leads to physiological and psychological health problems. Employee Wellness (EW) is a
boon for employee illness. After review of literature, the researcher quotes EWPs
definition -“Employee health and wellness programs attempt to improve the overall
health status of employees and sometimes even employees‟ family members through
prevention, education, and health interventions”.[1]
Employee wellness, which is an integral part of any organization, is the topic which the
researcher has chosen that studies the overall employee wellness in IT and ITeS industry
and its impact on employee engagement and work life Balance. It will also study the
EWPs and suggest improvement for the same by understanding the views of the
employees. In this study the researcher attempted to suggest a model which will help the
organization to manage the EWP effectively. This study provides EWP practices of IT
and ITeS companies.
3. REASONS TO CHOOSE THE TOPIC:
The face of the workplace has drastically changed over the past decade. An increasingly
empowered and diverse workforce, technological advancements, increased competition
and globalization have created a new workplace reality that is totally different from the
past workplace. The researcher herein having Social Responsibility towards the society
decided to take up this issue for the research. In this section, the researcher attempts to
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enlist the factors which motivated the researcher to choose this topic. They are as listed
below:
A. Changes in Workforce & Boom in IT and ITeS Companies in India.
B. Need for Employee Care.
C. Increasing Stress of Employees.
D. Increase in Health Problems of IT and ITeS Employees.
E. EWPs are the Business Need for Organizations.
F. Need for Research on EWPs.
4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
This research tries to provide information about most of the aspects of management of
EWP in select IT and ITeS companies in the study area - Hinjewadi and Aundh IT Park
in Pune for the study period from 2004 - 2009. This study is also beneficial to HR
managers and Wellness managers to understand contribution of EWP towards employee
engagement and work life balance. It would also provide insight about contribution of
globalization towards EWPs.
1. This study helps to provide techniques for better management of employee
wellness programs.
2. This study attempts to prepare a directory of Employee Wellness Programs at IT
and ITeS companies, which guide the HR managers to choose the suitable EWP.
3. This study helps organizations to understand the importance of employee
wellness programs, its advantages and benefits. This study guides HR Managers/
Wellness Managers to improve EWPs at workplace.
4. This study provides valuable information to academicians for future research on
EWPs.
5. This research attempts to suggest the EWP model, which is useful for selected IT
and ITeS companies located at study area.
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Thus, utility of this research is not only confined to researchers in India, but also be
useful to the researchers from other countries worldwide, who wish to track the study
EWPs in IT and ITeS companies in Hinjewadi and Aundh IT Park in Pune.
5. SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
The study mainly reveals the management of EWPs in IT and ITES companies located at
Hinjewadi and Aundh IT Park in Pune. The study explores the challenges faced by HR
managers, preferences and benefits of EWPs for employees. It also attempts to suggest
the EWP model which can be implemented in IT and ITeS companies.
The study also attempts to find out the different EWPs provided in IT and ITeS
companies.
6. PERIOD OF STUDY:
Implementation of EWPs in IT and ITeS companies started from the mentioned period of
study. Hence the period of study is chosen from the year 2004 to 2009 which also
provides updated information about the latest and current trends in the management of
EWPs.
7. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
The main thrust of this research is to study the Employee Wellness Programs in India in
general and in the study area (selected IT and ITeS companies) in particular. This study
aims at the following main objectives:
The main objective is to study the management of Employee Wellness Programs in
IT and ITeS companies located at Hinjewadi and Aundh IT Park in Pune. The
period from 2004-2009 has been studied in detail for the purpose. With this main
objective, study has following other objectives -
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1. To study the need of Employee Wellness Programs.
2. To study the conceptual background of Employee Wellness Programs.
3. To analyze the existing EWP models.
4. To study the existing scenario of management of EWP in the study area.
5. To study the contribution of globalization towards EWP.
6. To study the challenges faced by HR managers for effective management of
EWP.
7. To study the contribution of effectively managed EWP on the work-life balance
of employees.
8. To study the relationship between effectively managed EWP and employee
engagement.
9. To draw conclusions and attempt to suggest a model for effective management of
EWP for IT and ITeS companies.
8. HYPOTHESES:
In view of the above mentioned objectives, the researcher herein has formulated the
hypothesis for this study.
H1: Effectively managed EWPs contributes to Employee Work life balance.
H2: Employee Engagement is possible due to the various benefits of effectively managed
EWPs.
9. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES:
9.1 PILOT STUDY:
In order to understand the contribution of EWPs towards employee engagement and
employee work-life balance, a pilot study was conducted. Before incepting into the pilot
study, the researcher discussed various matters and issues related to the research topic
with her colleagues. A set of close-ended questions were prepared for the interview of
respondents - Employees and HR Managers.
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The researcher met the guide and discussed the results obtained through pilot study and a
revised questionnaire for the research was finalized. After discussion at length, the
process of preparation of the final questionnaire was completed. After completing this
process the researcher prepared the schedule of survey.
9.2. DATA COLLECTION: To accomplish the objectives of the research, a quantitative
research methodology approach was adopted.
PRIMARY DATA: Primary Research was conducted by the researcher with the
help of Questionnaire and telephonic interviews.
For the primary data collection, the researcher designed a set of questionnaires. One
questionnaire was designed for HR managers and the other for employees of IT and ITeS
companies in the study area. Also telephonic interviews and online web-based
questionnaires were used as a method for primary data collection in cases where on-site
contact was not established with the respondents.
1. From HR Manager’s Survey Questionnaire:
One questionnaire was designed for the HR managers of IT and ITeS companies in the
study area to understand the management of EWP and the researcher collected the data
about the following:
1. Current status of Employee Wellness Programs.
2. Contribution of globalization on EWPs.
3. Reasons to start Employee Wellness program at workplace.
4. The essential factors for effectively managed employee wellness program.
5. Relationship of EWP on employee engagement and work life of employees.
6. Challenges faced by HR managers for effective management of EWP.
7. The measures taken by HR managers to overcome the challenges.
8. Benefits of effectively managed employee wellness programs
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2. From Employee’s Survey Questionnaire
Another questionnaire was prepared for employees and data was collected from the
employees related to following:
1. Factors affecting on employee health.
2. Health problems faced by the employees.
3. Awareness of Employee wellness programs at workplace.
4. Factors motivating the employees to participate in EWPs.
5. Feedback on EWP from employees.
6. Ratings of wellness interventions provided in EWPs.
7. Benefits of effectively managed employee wellness programs.
8. EWPs provided for women employees.
The questionnaire was given to the respondents chosen through simple random
sampling method. The data analysis is performed by using suitable statistical tools.
9.3 SECONDARY DATA (LITERATURE SURVEY):
The survey of literature is important from the point of view of studying the available
literature in the form of popular research Journals and research articles. The research
magazine, journals and HR management books have been referred. The Proquest,
EBESCO and CRISIL database was surveyed to understand the current scenario of
EWPs. The researcher found that literature available in the field under reference is
limited in nature and scope.
Secondary data collection was done by reading research journals, magazines,
newspapers, reference books, browsing internet and company annual reports. Literature
survey is divided into following to study the management of employee wellness
programs:
a) Meaning of Employee Wellness Program.
b) Need for employee Wellness Programs.
c) Dimensions of Employee Wellness Program.
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d) Employee Welfare to Employee Wellness.
e) Employee Wellness Program – Global Scenario.
f) Employee Wellness Programs Scenario in U.S., U.K. and Asia.
g) Employee Wellness Programs – Indian Scenario.
h) Challenges for effective management of Employee Wellness Program.
i) Vital Factors for Effective Management of EWP at workplace.
j) Models of Individual Wellness.
k) Analysis of Models of Employee Wellness Programs & Gap Analysis of EWP
models.
l) Advantages of EWP.
m) Disadvantages of EWP.
n) Steps for effective management of employee wellness programs.
9.4 SAMPLING DESIGN:
Most of the Prominent IT and ITES companies are located at Hinjewadi and Aundh
IT Park in Pune, as it is a globally acclaimed IT hub; hence researcher has chosen it
for study of employee wellness program. There are 500 companies as per
NASSCOM list in Pune out of which 200 companies are active in operations mainly
located near and at Hinjewadi and Aundh IT Park. Out of these active 200 companies
irrespective of their size and revenue, the researcher has chosen 30 companies IT and
ITeS companies using random numbers generation.
HR manager from each company has been provided HR manager survey
questionnaire. Total 39 number of questionnaire have been filled by HR managers of
IT and ITeS companies. The employees in these companies surveyed with
convenience sampling method. The total Sample of 309 employees considered for
this research.
Sampling Method: Out of 200 companies active in operation, 30 companies were
selected using Simple random Sampling Method.
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a) Sampling Universe And Frame Sampling universe is 200 IT and ITeS companies
which active in operation (irrespective of their size and revenue) in Hinjewadi and
Aundh IT Park in Pune and sampling frame is 30 IT and ITeS companies and their
employees.
b) Sampling Element: 1) IT and ITeS Companies 2) Employees
c) Sampling Size: The selected 30 IT and ITeS companies have provided ample
information for this research work. And the selected 309 Employees were surveyed
for the research work from the above IT and ITeS companies.
9.5 METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES:
To analyze the data, researcher resorted to certain statistical methods like percentage,
frequency, cumulative frequency and chi square test. The nature of research is descriptive
and special statistical tool has been used. The data analysis has been done using
Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.
10. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:
The study suffers from the following limitations:
1. Limited secondary data is available in context with Indian and Pune IT and ITeS
companies related to management of EWPs. Even though there are significant
number of IT and ITeS companies in the study area, but the concept of EWP is
relatively new and its nascent stage.
2. Some of the employees and HR managers were reluctant to provide financial
aspects of EWP and policies related to EWP due to the confidentiality associated
with the policies at IT and ITeS companies.
3. In view of limitations of time and money at the disposal of the researcher, the
study shall conform to the selected samples of respondents.
4. This study‟s geographical boundary is limited to India with focus on one major
city: Pune (Maharashtra). This city was chosen as the study area, since it is one of
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the major cities in India and major IT and ITeS MNCs are established here
making it an IT Hub.
5. The sample was selected from the IT and ITeS companies mainly from Hinjewadi
and Aundh area in Pune and the respondents consisting of HR Managers were
randomly and employees were selected conveniently in order to limit the study to
only certain aspect of effective management of EWP.
6. Employee Wellness Programs are ever changing as per the health problems faced
by employees and need of employees. The period of the study limits the findings.
7. The implication of this research is limited to Hinjewadi and Aundh area in Pune
City.
11. CHAPTER SCHEME:
Sl. No Chapter Title
1. Introduction
2. Research Methodology
3. Conceptual Background of Employee Wellness Programs
4. Present Scenario and Practices of EWP at IT and ITeS
5. Analysis of Existing Models of Employee Wellness Programs
6. Management of Employee Wellness Programs in IT and ITeS Companies
7. Findings, Conclusions and Suggestions
12. FINDINGS:
A) Findings regarding employee’s viewpoint towards management of EWPs:
Health of Employees – Affecting factors leading to stress: There are many factors
which lead to stress and affect the employee‟s health. Long working Hours, Night
shift and target orientation jobs are important factors which lead to stress and affect
the Employee‟s health. 79.3% of the respondents feel that night shift has the highest
impact whereas 25.9% of the respondents feel that Ineffective time management has
the lowest impact for creating stress and affect the employee‟s health.
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Health Problems faced by Employees in IT and ITeS companies: Employees in
IT and ITeS companies mainly suffer from backache, headache, lack of sleep,
bodyache and anxiety. 80.1% of respondents feel that headache is the major health
problem. 8.4% mentioned that they suffer from Heart Disease, 14.6% suffer from
Diabetes and 22% suffer from Blood Pressure.
Awareness of EWPs among Employees: 98.4% of the employee respondents
mention that, they are aware of EWPs.
Agreement on meaning of EWPs. : As per the meaning mentioned in the literature
by the researcher, 47.2% of the respondents agree and 38.2% of the respondents
strongly agree with the meaning of EWP provided.
Feedback of EWPs: 94 % of the respondents mentioned that organizations take
feedback from employees on EWPs.
Responsibility of Management of EWPs: Only 20% of the employees feel that
EWP is HR department‟s responsibility and 76% of the employees feel that its
responsibility of HR managers and Employees both.
Communication of EWPs: 65.4% of the employees prefer to get the information
about EWPs through weekly e-mail tips. Only 6.1% of the employees prefer to get
information through discussion in staff meetings.
Factors motivating employees to participate in EWPs: 66% of the employees
strongly agree that attractiveness of EWP motivate them to participate in EWPs.
Other Factors like Friends Group / Peer Influence, Reward Scheme & Appreciation,
Health Check-ups, Health Consciousness and Personality Development are also
motivating.
Rating of Activities of EWPs by Employees: All the IT and ITeS companies
provide EWP programs. Most of the employees rate the activities under EWP above
average. The activities are - Safety at work, health club and gym membership
discounts, Employee Assistance program, Higher education assistance, Counseling or
mentoring, Worksite stress management programs, fun at work and medical
insurance.
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Overall Rating of EWPs at workplace: 54% of the employees mention that EWP
provided at IT and ITeS companies are good. 16.8% of the employees rate EWPs at
workplace as very good.
Benefits of EWPs to Employees: 66.6 % of the employees mention that EWPs very
much benefit to their good health and 59.2% of the employees mention that EWPs
very much benefits for their work-life balance. EWPs also benefits employees in
following areas as well - improved performance, motivation at work, commitment
towards work, job satisfaction and develop trust between employer and employee.
Contribution of Effectively Managed EWPs: 69.6% of the employees strongly
agree that effectively managed EWP contributes to employee engagement. 66.6% of
employees strongly agree that effectively managed EWPs contribute to work-life
balance which has been proved by hypotheses testing in Chapter VI.
Special EWP activities for Women Employees : Women employees mentions that
organizations are providing following programs for them : a) Women Counseling cell
b) Awareness camp for feminine problems c) Flexi-time d) Work From home e)
Guidance of Dietician f) Sabbatical /Maternity Leave g) Sexual Harassment Policy h)
Safe transport facility. 32.1% women employees mention that organizations do not
provide safe transport facilities and 29.8% women employees mention that
organizations do not provide sabbatical / maternity leave for women employees and
women counseling cell.
B. Findings regarding HR manager’s viewpoint towards Management of EWPs:
Provision of EWPs: All the HR managers mention that their companies are
providing EWPs.
Meaning of Employee Wellness Program: 69.2 % of the HR managers strongly
agree and 25.2% agree with meaning of EWP provided by researcher.
Impact of Globalizations: 97.4% of the HR managers agree with the fact that
globalization has created impact on EWPs. 74.4 % of the HR managers mention that
virtual teams have affected employee wellness. 71.8% of the HR managers mention
that working hours across the globe create an impact on the health of employees.
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Reason to Start EWPs at Workplace: 84.6% of the HR managers mention that
organizations have started EWP for Employee Retention in an organization and
82.1% of HR managers mention that organizations have started EWPs for employee
engagement and absenteeism. 74.4% of HR managers mention that organizations
started EWP for employee work-life balance.
Objectives of Employee Wellness Program: 96.6% of the HR managers mention
that good health of employee is objective of EWPs. 93.33 % and 90.00% of the HR
managers mention that to achieve employee satisfaction and employee engagement
are the objectives of EWPs 86.6 % of the HR managers mention that to enhance good
brand and to reduce medical cost are objectives of EWPs. 80% of HR managers
mention that to develop good culture is objective of EWPs. 83.33% HR managers
mention that reducing employee turnover and absenteeism is objective of EWP
Responsibility of Management of EWPs: All the HR managers mention that HR
dept. is responsible for implementation and management of EWPs at workplace.
94.8% of respondents mention that there is no Wellness Manager at Workplace.
Strategies for Employee Participation in EWPs for Effective Management of
EWPs: Strategies opted by HR managers to increase the participation of employees
in EWP to effectively manage EWP are : 1) Employee Involvement for designing
Wellness Program 2) Marketing Wellness Programs at work 3) Providing Reward
based wellness program 4) Creating more health awareness in employees and 5) “Fun
at Work” as Employee Wellness Program. 95% of the HR managers mention that
“Fun at Work” as Employee Wellness Program is one of the strategies for employee
participation in EWPs for effective management of EWPs.
Essential Factors for Effective Management of EWPs in IT and ITeS
Companies: 92.3% of the HR managers mention that Organization Commitment &
innovation towards EWP and Health Information System & Promotion at workplace
are essential factors for effective management of employee wellness programs. 89.7%
of the HR managers mention that Privacy, Confidentiality and Health Records
Management should be the factors for effective management EWPs. Only 20.5% HR
managers mention that Absence and Disability Management should be essential
factor for effective management of EWPs.
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EWP provided in Selected IT and ITeS Companies: Most of HR managers
mention that they provide wellness programs with respect to each dimension 1)