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. 2015 Aug;105(8):e31-44.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302616. Epub 2015 Jun 11.

Considerations for Incorporating "Well-Being" in Public Policy for Workers and Workplaces

Paul A Schulte  1 , Rebecca J Guerin  1 , Anita L Schill  1 , Anasua Bhattacharya  1 , Thomas R Cunningham  1 , Sudha P Pandalai  1 , Donald Eggerth  1 , Carol M Stephenson  1
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Considerations for Incorporating "Well-Being" in Public Policy for Workers and Workplaces

Paul A Schulte et al. Am J Public Health. 2015 Aug.

Abstract

Action to address workforce functioning and productivity requires a broader approach than the traditional scope of occupational safety and health. Focus on "well-being" may be one way to develop a more encompassing objective. Well-being is widely cited in public policy pronouncements, but often as ". . . and well-being" (e.g., health and well-being). It is generally not defined in policy and rarely operationalized for functional use. Many definitions of well-being exist in the occupational realm. Generally, it is a synonym for health and a summative term to describe a flourishing worker who benefits from a safe, supportive workplace, engages in satisfying work, and enjoys a fulfilling work life. We identified issues for considering well-being in public policy related to workers and the workplace.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Types of well-being and policy challenges. Note. Based on National Research Council 2013 and Xing and Chu 2014.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Worker/workforce well-being and the policy appraisal cycle. Note. Adapted from Allin 2014.
FIGURE 3—
FIGURE 3—
Conceptual view of the possible relationship between work and nonwork threats to, and promotors of, well-being. Note. Dashed lines show interaction of factors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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