Expanding the Paradigm of Occupational Safety and Health: A New Framework for Worker Well-Being

J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jul;60(7):589-593. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001330.

Abstract

Objective: This article describes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) development of a conceptual framework for worker well-being. While well-being research is growing, there is a need to translate theoretical concepts into practical models for measurement and action.

Methods: Multidisciplinary literature reviews informed development of the worker well-being framework and major domains and subdomains. An expert panel helped prioritize constructs for measurement.

Results: The framework includes five domains and 20 subdomains and conceptualizes worker well-being as a subjective and objective phenomenon inclusive of experiences both within and beyond work contexts.

Conclusion: Well-being is a positive and unifying concept that captures multiple factors that contribute to workers' health and quality of life. This work lays the foundation for larger well-being measurement efforts and will provide tools for NIOSH partners to help workers flourish.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Congresses as Topic
  • Environment
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Organizational Policy*
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Work Performance
  • Workplace*