General Well-Being Resources
It can be hard to keep up to date on the latest research on how to promote a thriving workplace, and it’s even harder to translate research into practical guidance. These are some of the leading organizations when it comes to conducting rigorous research and translating research into practice. All of these organizations provide an abundance of quality, free resources without encumbering users with subscription fees [ membership dues, though in some select cases, certain resources are provided only to members.
If you are aware of similar resources that you’d recommend being added to this list, please feel free to email me.
The CDC Workplace Health Resource Center (WHRC) is a one-stop shop for workplace health promotion that gives employers resources to create a healthy work environment. It has credible tools and step-by-step resources employers can use to tailor a health promotion program to their unique workplace needs. It also provides exceptional tools to support strategic planning and program evaluation.
Highly recommended resource: CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard
Foundation for Social Connection
The Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC) promotes research, provides resources, and increases awareness through educational events to address social isolation, loneliness, and social connection.
Check out the Resources tab and filter by content type or topic to find research reports, articles, and toolkits on each of these three core topics. The annual End Social Isolation and Loneliness Action Forum convenes thought leaders and innovators from around the globe and free session videos are posted to their website following the event.
Highly recommended resource: SOCIAL FRAMEWORK Report for the Work, Employment & Labor (WEL) Sector
Greater Good Science Center
Based at UC Berkeley, the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) provides a bridge between the research community and the general public. The GGSC brings together research from the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, teaching skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. Free resources include consumer friendly magazine articles, courses, videos, and professional education events for health professionals, leaders, and educators.
Highly recommended resource: Online Courses & Tools
Health Enhancement Research Organization
The Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) is a national non-profit dedicated to identifying and sharing best practices to improve the health and well-being of workers, their spouses, dependents, and retirees. The organization publishes free resources including white papers, case studies, practical resources to guide employers and workplace well-being service providers.
Highly recommended resource: HERO Health and Well-being Best Practices Scorecard in Collaboration with Mercer, V5
Human Flourishing Program at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science
The Human Flourishing Program aims to study and promote human flourishing and to develop systematic approaches to the synthesis of knowledge across disciplines. The program is devoted to research and dissemination of knowledges related to the contributions of beauty, family, friendship, happiness, forgiveness, virtue, religion, meaning, and purpose on human flourishing.
Highly recommended resource: How to Flourish: Practical Activities Supported by Scientific Research
NIOSH Total Worker Health
NIOSH was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and is devoted to assurance of safe and healthy working conditions for US workers. The Total Worker Health (TWH) approach advances this work through a holistic model for improving workforce safety, health, and well-being. The integrated approach prioritizes safety while simultaneously engaging in other workplace efforts (e.g., healthy work design, employee training and development, injury and illness prevention efforts). Free resources include a planning workbook, guidance on prioritization of TWH approaches, the business case for a TWH approach, and the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire.
Highly recommended resource: TWH Publications and Reports
The Work and Well-Being Initiative: Employer Toolkit
This employer toolkit is the result of a collaboration between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the MIT Management Sloan School. It is a digital resource designed to help employers create workplace conditions which foster the health and well-being of all workers in an inclusive manner. Content includes robust research support; applied, practical principles; and numerous case studies.
Highly recommended resource: Developing a strategic plan for your initiative
Workplace Spirituality Resources
The organizations listed below represent organizations that provide free information and resources that are evidence-based and explore a multi-disciplinary approach to workplace spirituality. Though some of the organizations were founded by individuals observing a specific faith tradition, all encourage the exchange of information that fosters connection, meaning and purpose, and a life of spiritual growth.
The naming of these resources does not constitute an endorsement or promotion of their services. Please carefully evaluate these organizations by considering their fit with your organization’s approach and criteria for external vendor partners or suppliers.
Academy of Management (AOM)– Management, Spirituality & Religion (MSR) Community
Global Dharma Center
The Global Dharma Center is a US-based non-sectarian, non-profit corporation that aims to inspire and empower people from all cultures to live and work from a spiritual basis. It offers research, publications, training, and other free services. Resources include a spiritual-based leadership research program and a searchable knowledge base of executive interviews.
Greater Good Science Center
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley conducts interdisciplinary research on the science of inner and interpersonal peace. It also disseminates practical, research-supported education to parents, teachers, and practitioners to apply research to personal and professional practice. The Center also publishes Greater Good Magazine to disseminate emerging research on compassion, happiness, and altruism. Its many activities include blogs, seminars, institutes, and online courses to make the science of meaningful life accessible and practical to the general public.
International Institute for Spiritual Leadership
The International Institute for Spiritual Leadership serves leaders and organizations seeking new leadership models, with a commitment to co-creating a conscious, flourishing world that works for everyone. Though it does provide consulting services and executive assessment and coaching, numerous free resources include peer-reviewed published research articles and videos.
John Templeton Foundation
The John Templeton Foundation was established in 1987 and began funding general research in 1992 to understand the work and purpose of the Creator, study and stimulate progress in religion, and research the benefits of religion. Numerous white papers are available on the organization’s website. Templeton Press was established in 1997 with a focus on books that promote a deeper understanding of the influence of spirituality, beliefs, and values on human health, happiness, and prosperity.
On Being Project
The On Being Project is a non-profit media and public life initiative that explores the intersection of spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and the arts. Its services include a public radio show, podcasts, and online tools for “the art of living,” including the newly launched Wisdom App.
Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality
The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality brings together thought leaders and business executives to promote scholarship on the impact of faith and spirituality in the workplace. Its three strategic focus areas include education, business and community outreach, and research.