Improving Wellbeing, Mastery, and Work Adherence: Effects of the 5 Ways Course

Deltakelse i Hverdagsgledekurset i norske kommuner kan gi bedre livskvalitet, helse, mestring og arbeidsdeltakelse. Dette vil ha positive implikasjoner for både deltakeren selv og for lokalmiljøer.

Abstract

Background
Rising ill health, declining wellbeing, and increasing work absenteeism pose a threat to societal sustainability in the context of demographic shifts, particularly an ageing population. Addressing these issues by promoting workforce health is essential to support Norwegian welfare models and local communities. The Five Ways to Wellbeing course is a 6-week intervention, delivered in Norwegian municipalities, designed to enhance wellbeing and health by encouraging participants to engage in five key activities: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give. Engaging in these activities may help fulfill fundamental human needs for belonging, movement, awareness, growth, and meaning. Meeting these needs can promote health and wellbeing by reducing the stress of unmet needs. This study examines changes in wellbeing, mastery, and work adherence following participation in the course among individuals with diverse mental and physical health challenges.

Methods
This parallel two-group randomized controlled trial examined the effects of the Five Ways to Wellbeing course. Adults (≥18 years) receiving various benefits through the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV) were randomly assigned, using the RAND function in Excel, to either the intervention group or a no-intervention control group. Blinding was not possible. We hypothesized that the intervention group would show greater improvements in wellbeing, mastery, and work adherence. Group differences in outcome changes will be analyzed using multilevel modeling.

Results
A total of 120 adults were randomized (intervention: n = 62; control: n = 58). Recruitment concluded in January 2025. The changes in wellbeing, mastery, and work adherence will be analyzed in spring 2025 and presented at the Norwegian Public Health Conference.

Conclusion
If the Five Ways to Wellbeing course proves more effective than no intervention in enhancing wellbeing and supporting work participation both short- and long-term, it could become a valuable tool for municipalities seeking to foster active citizen engagement and contribution to local communities.