The Connection Between Wellness Programs and

The Connection Between Wellness Programs and Employee Job Satisfaction in Higher Education by Donel J. Richemond MBA, Nova Southeastern University, 2009 BS, Florida A & M University, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2016 Abstract Job dissatisfaction is becoming a fundamental concern for employers. Employee engagement makes an organization more productive and can reduce absenteeism. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between employersponsored wellness-program participation and job satisfaction among for-profit college and university leaders. Data collection involved an online survey of 400 faculty members’ from for-profit universities in the United States contacted using the JobJob dissatisfaction is becoming a fundamental concern for employers. Employee engagement makes an organization more productive and can reduce absenteeism. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between employersponsored wellness-program participation and job satisfaction among for-profit college and university leaders. Data collection involved an online survey of 400 faculty members’ from for-profit universities in the United States contacted using the Job Satisfaction Survey; 103 participants completed the survey. The theoretical framework was the need-satisfaction theory, which includes the factors that promote job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction. The results came from a multiple regression analysis that indicated a significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and participation in the employer-sponsored wellness program (β = -.22, t = -2.24, p = .027), where faculty who were not participating in the wellness program had higher levels of job satisfaction (M = 3.62) in comparison to those who did participate (M = 3.80). Interaction analyses indicated a relationship between gender and job satisfaction (β = -.26, t = -2.70, p = .008). Females were more likely than were males to have higher levels of job satisfaction, as well as years of experience and job satisfaction. Faculty who had been employed for between 11 and 15 years were more likely to have higher levels of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction appear lower for those who participate in employer-sponsored wellness programs because of the personal gratification employees’ experience. The findings may contribute to social change with information that leaders could use to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and profitability. The Connection Between Wellness Programs and Employee Job Satisfaction in Higher Education by Donel J. Richemond MBA, Nova Southeastern University, 2009 BS, Florida A & M University, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2016 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to God, who is the head of my life; without Him in my life, this journey would not be possible. In addition, I dedicate this work to my beautiful wife, Hortense and my two children, Dheanna and Deion. I also would like to thank my family, especially my mother, Erzilie Richemond, who always provided words of encouragement. Acknowledgments I would like to thank the doctoral committee for assistance with this great research study: Chairperson Dr. Charles Needham, Second Committee Chairperson Dr. Robert Miller, URR Dr. Michael Ewald, and Program Director Dr. Freda Turner. Dr. Charles Needham, you are a remarkable mentor, and I could not have asked for a more compassionate and knowledgeable chairperson for a guide throughout this study process. In addition, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Fredrick Nwosu for his mentorship throughout this study and my colleagues Dr. Trenessa Williams. Dr. E M. Ekanayake, Dr. Guthridge Jean Charles, Fred Echoles (Doctoral Student). Hubert Elie, M.Ed. (School Administrator) and Taiwan Huggins (Doctoral Student) for their support and friendship.