ABSTRACT
A concern for employee wellbeing extends beyond issues of physical health. There are at least three reasons why health-related programming in organizations might be ineffective: First, the program or benefit may be inappropriately targeted, being used by individuals who may not benefit from the intervention. Second, the resources provided by organizations may be underutilized. Third, the resource or program provided by the organization may not be effective. This chapter suggests that the credibility of organizationally based health initiatives is largely based on our ability to adopt an evidence-based perspective. That is, researchers should contribute most to employee health through their critical appraisal of wellness initiatives – focusing on what works and how it works in order to offer the most efficient and effective programs to organizations and their employees. The chapter focuses more particularly on the generation of evidence regarding employee health and wellbeing.
