Working Paper #256: Healthy workplace performance measurement

Objective: A performance measurement framework is proposed for organizations striving to become "healthy workplaces."

Methods: The literature on dimensions of health, determinants of employee health, and performance measurement principles and practices was reviewed. Stakeholder input on “healthy workplace” indicators was gathered. The resulting framework was used in a pilot study to guide the content of an employee questionnaire.

Findings: The proposed framework is grounded in an understanding of employee health, embodies several performance measurement practices, and incorporates both labour and management viewpoints. It consists of four categories: Healthy Workplace Drivers; Working Conditions; Health Outcomes; and Organizational Benefits. For Working Conditions, users are recommended to consider indicators of both physical and psychosocial working conditions; for Health Outcomes, consider indicators of both physical and mental health.

Research limitations/implications: The framework requires further validation.

Practical implications: The framework can assist in the selection and communication of a balanced, multi-dimensional set of HWP performance indicators, thereby supporting organizational efforts to become healthier workplaces.

Conclusion: There is little guidance available regarding performance measurement for organizations taking an “integrated,” best practice approach to employee health. This paper addresses this gap.