Total Worker Health® in Action! September 2024

At a glance

In this edition, NIOSH announces a groundbreaking data clearinghouse that aims to advance worker well-being globally. We also share the latest Total Worker Health (TWH) news and resources on topics like mental health, recovery, and industry-specific safety. Don't miss important deadlines, upcoming webinar announcements, and free training opportunities announced below.

person wearing scrubs checking a floating white box in front of laptop

Exclusive

The Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO), in partnership with the NIOSH Office for TWH, launched the HERO Worker Well-Being Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse is an open-source database that houses de-identified data from uses of the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ). De-identified data have no identifying information that can be linked to specific people. This innovative data clearinghouse aims to advance worker well-being globally.

HERO developed a free online platform to make the NIOSH WellBQ readily available for employers and organizations. You can use the online portal to easily administer the NIOSH WellBQ to better understand the workforces' safety, health, and well-being. You will receive a free report with your results and can choose to share anonymous data with the clearinghouse.

People can request access to the de-identified data from the clearinghouse for research or to benchmark worker well-being at no cost. These data will help practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and others gain deeper insights into worker well-being trends and dynamics.

HERO invites organizations and researchers across industries to join this groundbreaking effort in enhancing worker well-being. Read this press release or visit their website to learn more.

News

Free course for students

The Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace released an online course for college and university students. The materials help students understand TWH concepts and how they relate to their field of study. The free, two-hour course offers self-paced learning. Request an instructor guide with suggested readings and class activities by emailing cphnew@uml.edu.

Free training for the forestry and logging industry

AgriSafe is offering free on-demand training to forestry and logging workers. Create a free Learning Lab account to access the content. You can also schedule a group training by emailing Knesha Rose-Davison, Public Health and Equity Director.

Shift work, sleep, and mental health

Many shift workers have work schedules outside of the traditional daytime hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A new resource from the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance program describes ways workplaces can support shift workers' mental health.

Small business toolkit for hiring employees in recovery

The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance program launched a new resource, Kentucky Small Business Toolkit for Hiring Employees in Recovery. The toolkit includes sample workplace policies and resources for employers and workers. You'll also find information on hiring and legal considerations.

Video highlights TWH occupational medicine

The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service released a new video about their 2024 TWH Occupational Medicine White Paper. The paper emphasizes the critical role of employee well-being and offers a comprehensive analysis of workforce well-being. For more information, email tw.health@noaa.gov.

Workplace mental health: Trends and best practices

Mental Health America evaluated 271 eligible employers' policies and practices through its Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification program. They used these data to publish the new Workplace Mental Health Report: Trends and Best Practices of Top Employers. The report identifies emerging trends and best practices that can help support all employers' workplace wellness efforts.

Welcoming new NIOSH TWH Affiliates

Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO)

HERO is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting science and practice in the field of workplace health and well-being. HERO aims to demonstrate the value of the health and well-being employer ecosystem. HERO recently launched the HERO Worker Well-Being Clearinghouse, powered by the NIOSH WellBQ.

David Lynch Foundation

The David Lynch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005. Their mission is to address the epidemic of trauma and toxic stress among at-risk populations. This is accomplished through implementation of the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation technique. The Foundation launched the Heal the Healers Now program in 2020. This new initiative intends to make the Transcendental Meditation program available to as many healthcare workers as possible. Heal the Healers Now advocates with hospital partners for institutional policies to facilitate adoption and success of worker well-being interventions. Policies would include, wherever feasible, increased flexibility in work schedules to allow protected break time and dedicated spaces for Transcendental Meditation. The goal is to foster and expand an on-the-job culture of staff wellbeing.

Mark your calendars

Call for proposals for two upcoming conferences

Work, Stress, and Health Conference

Proposals are being accepted for the Work, Stress, and Health 2025 Conference being held July 8–11, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. NIOSH and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology organize the event to address the ever-changing nature of work. Submit your proposal by November 7.

International Symposium to Advance TWH

The 4th International Symposium to Advance TWH will announce a call for proposals in October. The symposium will be held in Bethesda, Maryland, October 21–24, 2025. Proposals will be due by December 20.

Celebrate National Work and Family Month with two free webinars

Designing Workplaces That Value Worker and Family Well-being, Now and Beyond

Register now to join us on October 17, 2-3 p.m. (ET). This webinar will share the results of a study that followed more than 370 lower-wage, working-class families over 10 years.

Public Policy and Employer Support to Improve Family Health and Well-Being

Register now to join us on October 31, 12-1 p.m. (ET). This webinar will describe how employer support and public policy contribute to the well-being of workers and their families.

Free National Farm Safety and Health Week webinars

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, AgriSafe will offer 11 free webinars. The webinars will be held September 16–20. The various agriculture, forestry, and fishing topics covered will relate to the theme "Don't Learn Safety by Accident."

Gala promotes healthcare worker well-being

The David Lynch Foundation, a new TWH Affiliate, will host a gala this month to celebrate the launch of Meditate America. This national initiative aims to use evidence-based meditation to relieve burnout and promote well-being for frontline healthcare workers and first responders.

Add to your reading list

Check out the latest NIOSH Science Blogs and articles featuring TWH research:

Did you know?‎

Healthcare workforce burnout threatens health systems and optimal healthcare delivery. To address this issue, the Veterans Health Administration implemented a Chief Well-Being Officer role, focused on clinicians. Read the latest Promising Practice to learn more.

Stay connected

There are several important health observances in September. Follow us on social media and reflect on these resources as we recognize the below topics:

Looking ahead to October, don't forget to register for two free webinars to celebrate National Work and Family Month!

Connect your calendar

Find more events on the NIOSH and Partner Events Calendar and Society for TWH Events webpage.

Connect with us

Follow us on social media @NIOSH_TWH, visit our website, or email us at TWH@cdc.gov.

Connect with our partners

Stay up to date on the research and events happening at the Centers of Excellence for TWH:

Keep Reading: Affiliate Program

About this newsletter

Total Worker Health® in Action! is the quarterly newsletter published by the NIOSH Total Worker Health Program. Subscribe today!

Editorial & Production Team

Executive Editor
L. Casey Chosewood, MD, MPH

Managing Editor
Emily Kirby

Copy Editor
Cheryl Hamilton