Front Public Health. 2025 Aug 18;13:1627464. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1627464. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Structured, well-being interventions are under-researched in non-Western workplaces. This study evaluates The Good Life training program-a participatory, multi-component training intervention-on employee well-being, engagement and stress in South Africa.
METHODS: Employing an exploratory, quasi-experimental, explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we collected quantitative data from 50 South African respondents across three delivery formats (four half-days online, two full-days in classroom, and four half-days in classroom) at pre-training and 3 months post-training using five validated scales (PSS-4, UWES-3, SWLS, FS, WEMWBS-14). No concurrent control group was retained due to attrition and contamination; thus, causal inferences are cautious. Qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with a purposive subsample of 15 participants to elucidate mechanisms of change.
RESULTS: Two full-day workshops led to significant improvements in overall well-being and work engagement, whereas the online format produced a significant boost in well-being only. The half-day format showed no statistically significant changes. Qualitative findings highlighted immersive peer interaction, structured reflection and managerial support as core drivers of impact.
DISCUSSION: Immersive, HR-facilitated training shows promise for enhancing well-being and engagement in South African workplaces. Future research should employ randomized controlled designs, larger samples and objective measures (e.g., absenteeism, physiological indicators) to substantiate and extend these preliminary findings.
PMID:40900692 | PMC:PMC12399526 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1627464
