Engagement, Physical Activity, and Workload: Implications on the Perceived Effects of the Local Government Unit’s Wellness Program

Abstract

Employee wellness programs have become essential strategies for promoting well-being and sustaining productivity, particularly in public-sector organizations where workloads and service demands are persistent. This study examined the relationships among engagement in the wellness program, physical activity level, workload, and the perceived effects of the wellness program among employees of a Local Government Unit (LGU) in Bukidnon, Philippines. Guided by Social Exchange Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources framework, the study employed a quantitative descriptive–correlational design. A total of 194 LGU employees were selected through random sampling and completed structured self-report questionnaires measuring cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement, physical activity level, workload, and perceived program effects. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results showed that employees demonstrated high engagement, moderate physical activity, and moderate workload. The wellness program was perceived to have strong positive effects across physical health, mental well-being, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and social connectedness. Correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between engagement and perceived program effects, as well as a moderate significant association between workload and perceived effects. In contrast, physical activity level was not significantly associated with perceived program effects. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that engagement and workload jointly accounted for approximately 63% of the variance in perceived program effects, with engagement emerging as the strongest predictor, whereas physical activity level was not a significant contributor. The findings indicate that employees’ perceptions of wellness programs are shaped more by organizational engagement and work context than by individual activity behaviors. The study highlights the importance of engagement-driven and workload-sensitive wellness strategies in public-sector institutions.