Outcomes for facilitators of workplace environment improvement applying a participatory approach

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine changes in awareness, behavior, and relationships among facilitators who were involved in facilitating the conduct of the participatory workplace improvement program and to examine the facilitators' outcomes as a result of their active involvement in the program. The outcome components were also examined in relationship to their associations with various factors. METHODS: An anonymous self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted for 83 facilitators. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to determine the facilitators' outcomes. The relationship between those elements which influenced the outcomes was taken into account by means of hierarchal multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes for facilitators consisted of four sub‐concepts: “knowing practical ways and strategies to ensure full participation,” “building confidence and self‐development,” “improving safety and health‐risk sensitivity,” and “gaining better‐than‐expected results based on developing relationships with workers.” According to the results of hierarchal multiple regression analysis, facilitators' outcomes were significantly associated with the realization of creativity, sense of solution for safety and health issues, and facilitators' involvement. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the role of a facilitator dynamically changes through a participatory workplace improvement program as a key person in the workplace. Supporting acting facilitators' initiatives in the process of workplace improvement programs, as well as promoting the active involvement of workers and managers were considered useful for effective implementation of workplace improvement programs.