Workplace well-being in the London-Chinese business community

Article


Bertotti, M., Dan-Ogosi, I. and Rao, Mala 2017. Workplace well-being in the London-Chinese business community. International Journal of Workplace Health Management. 10 (2), pp. 86-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-05-2016-0035
AuthorsBertotti, M., Dan-Ogosi, I. and Rao, Mala
Abstract

Purpose

Workplace well-being is key to improving health and therefore productivity. Although the Chinese population and their influence on business in the UK are growing rapidly, little is known about the attitudes of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a qualitative study to explore the views of Chinese employees and employers in London and interviewed occupational health and workplace well-being experts.
Findings

Employers’ understanding of workplace well-being was limited, their approach was reactive rather than proactive. Contextual factors hampered most efforts towards workplace well-being. Employees reported that working conditions were generally poor with likely implications for employees’ physical and mental health. Generational and migratory changes further complicate the scenario but potentially usher in positive change.
Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in a London area with a high density of Chinese businesses. The study nevertheless covered only a limited selection of business sectors. Caution may therefore be necessary in assuming the transferability of these findings to other parts of the UK.
Practical implications

Chinese businesses are agreeable to being informed about and considering the business case for workplace well-being. Chinese workers need better working conditions, easier access to health services preferably delivered through Chinese-based networks of community and business associations which are trusted by both employers and employees.
Originality/value

This study offers novel evidence on the attitude of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being by comparing views from both groups. Chinese people face considerable health and mental health problems through their work environment, in contrast with conclusions from the Health Survey for England and Labour Force Survey.

KeywordsEthnicity; Health promotion; Workplace wellness; Public health; Workplace health; Occupational health and safety
JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management
Journal citation10 (2), pp. 86-100
ISSN1753-8351
1753-836X
Year2017
PublisherEmerald
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-05-2016-0035
Publication dates
Print03 Apr 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited24 Apr 2017
Accepted22 Nov 2016
LicenseAll rights reserved
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