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Health and performance: science or advocacy?

Jennifer K. Dimoff (Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada)
E. Kevin Kelloway (Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada)
Aleka M. MacLellan (Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada)

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance

ISSN: 2051-6614

Article publication date: 2 September 2014

482

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature assessing the return-on-investment (ROI) of healthy workplace programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Used a narrative review to summarize and evaluate findings.

Findings

Although substantial ROI data now exist, methodological and logical weaknesses limit the conclusions that can be drawn.

Practical implications

A strategy for monetizing the benefits of healthy workplaces that draws on both human resource accounting and strategic human resource management is described.

Social implications

The promotion of healthy workplaces is an important goal in its own right. To the extent that ROI estimates are important in advancing this goal, these estimates should be based on clear logic and strong methodology.

Originality/value

The paper suggests the need for stronger research designs but also note the difficulties in monetizing outcomes of the healthy workplace.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Preparation of this manuscript was supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to all three authors. Correspondence may be addressed to the second author at the Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie St Halifax NS B3H 3C3 Canada or to kevin.kelloway@smu.ca

Citation

K. Dimoff, J., Kevin Kelloway, E. and M. MacLellan, A. (2014), "Health and performance: science or advocacy?", Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 316-334. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-07-2014-0031

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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