Workplace wellness programs for working mothers: a systematic review

Abstract Background and objectives: This systematic review aimed to uncover the evidence and benefits of employers’ commitment to delivering workplace wellness programs for working mothers.Methods: The articles published in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and AgeLine databases between 2017 and 2021 were searched to evaluate the workplace wellness programs for working mothers with at least one resultant wellness or wellbeing (e.g., physical health, less stress, mental health, burnout, depression, smoking, bullying, alcohol consumption, overweight), work-life balance outcome, or job satisfaction.Results: Four studies that met the criteria were retrieved from databases. They showed some effective workplace wellness programs that can reduce depression, stress, and burnout, improve mental health, healthy behaviours, work-family balance and work-life balance. Working mothers participating in a workplace wellness program generally gain some benefits; one of which is reduced stress typically related to childcare, economic, and personal health issues.Conclusions: The implementation of workplace wellness programs for working mothers showed positive effects on their health problems and health costs. These four studies revealed that workplace wellness programs specifically designed for working mothers can lead to time efficiency by holding the programs in or near the workplace and implementing them during the workdays. This greatly suits the conditions of many working mothers whose limited time and energy to balance the household, family and work tasks.