Impact of Exercise Benefits on Achievement-Enhancing HR Bundles: Role of Health Beliefs, Smoking Cessation and Smoking Urges

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the interplay between exercise benefits, health beliefs, smoking cessation, and smoking urges in shaping achievement-enhancing HR bundles within organizational settings. Conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the research aims to provide insights into how health-focused behaviors influence HR strategies designed to optimize employee performance. Method: The study employed a quantitative approach, surveying 221 employees from various firms. Validated scales from prior research were used to measure key variables, including exercise benefits, health beliefs, smoking cessation, smoking urges, and achievement-enhancing HR bundles. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in Stata, enabling simultaneous testing of direct, mediating, and moderating relationships. Findings: The results reveal that exercise benefits and health beliefs significantly enhance achievement-oriented HR strategies. Health beliefs mediate the relationship between exercise benefits and HR bundles, highlighting their cognitive role in translating physical health into workplace performance. Smoking cessation positively moderates this relationship, amplifying exercise benefits, while smoking urges negatively moderate the outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of integrating comprehensive wellness programs into HR frameworks to foster organizational success. Originality/Implications: This research offers a novel framework linking health behaviors with HR strategies, emphasizing the interdependence of physical and cognitive factors. Its implications guide organizations in designing holistic wellness initiatives to achieve sustained employee performance and organizational excellence.