ABSTRACT
This chapter consider if the concept of "well-being" is useful in addressing contemporary issues related to work and the workforce and, if so, whether it can be operationalized for public policy and what the implications are of doing so. It discusses the need to evaluate a broad range of work and nonwork variables related to worker health and safety and to develop a unified approach to this evaluation. The chapter then focuses on the potential of well-being to serve as a unifying concept, with focus on the definitions and determinants of well-being. It also presents examples of the incorporation of the principles of well-being into public policy, and the results thus far of the implementation of such guidance. The chapter describes research needs for assessing well-being, particularly the need to operationalize this construct for empirical analysis. It aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts of occupational safety and health and public health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to protect working populations.
