Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation
Abstract Background Many organizations are faced with growing numbers of employees who combine their jobs with informal caregiving responsibilities. To support working caregivers in maintaining a good balance between work, private life and informal care, a workplace participatory approach (PA) inter...
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2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21100-9 |
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| author | Eline E. Vos Simone R. de Bruin Allard J. van der Beek Denise J.M. Smit Karin I. Proper |
| author_facet | Eline E. Vos Simone R. de Bruin Allard J. van der Beek Denise J.M. Smit Karin I. Proper |
| author_sort | Eline E. Vos |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Many organizations are faced with growing numbers of employees who combine their jobs with informal caregiving responsibilities. To support working caregivers in maintaining a good balance between work, private life and informal care, a workplace participatory approach (PA) intervention was implemented in four Dutch organizations. This study’s aims were to evaluate the degree of PA implementation, contextual factors influencing implementation, and stakeholder experiences with the PA. Methods A mixed methods process evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial among three stakeholder groups: caregiving employees, their supervisors, and trained occupational professionals who acted as PA process facilitators. The implementation frameworks of Steckler and Linnan (2002) and Carrol et al. (2007) were applied to evaluate recruitment, reach, dosage, fidelity and context, as well as stakeholders’ satisfaction, experiences and perceived intervention outcomes. Data were collected after PA implementation (4–7 months) using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, checklists and research logs. Results Of the 57 caregivers in the intervention group, 48 participated in the stepwise intervention. Among them, 20 (42%) completed all seven steps of the PA, and 30 (63%) involved their supervisors. PA implementation and supervisor involvement varied based on personal factors (e.g. a need for balance-related improvements; preference to keep caregiving private), interpersonal factors (e.g. caregiver-supervisor relationship quality), and organizational factors (high work demands; a supportive workplace culture for caregivers). Caregivers, supervisors, and process facilitators reported positive experiences with the PA, finding it valuable for addressing informal caregiving, receiving support and working on balance-related changes in multiple life domains. Some caregivers, however, needed more than the standard 3 PA meetings to identify key issues and implement solutions. Conclusions Stakeholders found the PA helpful in addressing working caregivers’ work-life balance, but PA implementation can be further stimulated by creating a supportive organizational culture in which it is encouraged and safe to discuss informal care. Moreover, to better support working caregivers in the long term, the PA should be viewed as an ongoing and iterative process taking into account their evolving balance and circumstances. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15363783 (Registration date 21 November 2022; Retrospectively registered). |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0d4fc88a9d5e410face6645947028721 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-0d4fc88a9d5e410face66459470287212025-01-12T12:43:21ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-01-0125111610.1186/s12889-024-21100-9Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluationEline E. Vos0Simone R. de Bruin1Allard J. van der Beek2Denise J.M. Smit3Karin I. Proper4National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behaviour and HealthDepartment of Health and Wellbeing, Research Group, Windesheim University of Applied SciencesDepartment of Public and Occupational Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMCNational Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behaviour and HealthNational Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behaviour and HealthAbstract Background Many organizations are faced with growing numbers of employees who combine their jobs with informal caregiving responsibilities. To support working caregivers in maintaining a good balance between work, private life and informal care, a workplace participatory approach (PA) intervention was implemented in four Dutch organizations. This study’s aims were to evaluate the degree of PA implementation, contextual factors influencing implementation, and stakeholder experiences with the PA. Methods A mixed methods process evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial among three stakeholder groups: caregiving employees, their supervisors, and trained occupational professionals who acted as PA process facilitators. The implementation frameworks of Steckler and Linnan (2002) and Carrol et al. (2007) were applied to evaluate recruitment, reach, dosage, fidelity and context, as well as stakeholders’ satisfaction, experiences and perceived intervention outcomes. Data were collected after PA implementation (4–7 months) using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, checklists and research logs. Results Of the 57 caregivers in the intervention group, 48 participated in the stepwise intervention. Among them, 20 (42%) completed all seven steps of the PA, and 30 (63%) involved their supervisors. PA implementation and supervisor involvement varied based on personal factors (e.g. a need for balance-related improvements; preference to keep caregiving private), interpersonal factors (e.g. caregiver-supervisor relationship quality), and organizational factors (high work demands; a supportive workplace culture for caregivers). Caregivers, supervisors, and process facilitators reported positive experiences with the PA, finding it valuable for addressing informal caregiving, receiving support and working on balance-related changes in multiple life domains. Some caregivers, however, needed more than the standard 3 PA meetings to identify key issues and implement solutions. Conclusions Stakeholders found the PA helpful in addressing working caregivers’ work-life balance, but PA implementation can be further stimulated by creating a supportive organizational culture in which it is encouraged and safe to discuss informal care. Moreover, to better support working caregivers in the long term, the PA should be viewed as an ongoing and iterative process taking into account their evolving balance and circumstances. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15363783 (Registration date 21 November 2022; Retrospectively registered).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21100-9Working caregiversWork-life balanceInformal careProcess evaluationParticipatory approachCaregiver support |
| spellingShingle | Eline E. Vos Simone R. de Bruin Allard J. van der Beek Denise J.M. Smit Karin I. Proper Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation BMC Public Health Working caregivers Work-life balance Informal care Process evaluation Participatory approach Caregiver support |
| title | Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation |
| title_full | Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation |
| title_fullStr | Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation |
| title_short | Implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work, private life and informal care: results of a process evaluation |
| title_sort | implementing a workplace participatory approach to support working caregivers in balancing their work private life and informal care results of a process evaluation |
| topic | Working caregivers Work-life balance Informal care Process evaluation Participatory approach Caregiver support |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21100-9 |
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