An Integrative, Multilevel, and Transdisciplinary Research Approach to Challenges of Work, Family, and Health

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Translational Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives require rigorous, experimental evidence.
• Existing research often lacks multilevel and transdisciplinary approaches.
• Policymakers and employers need evidence-based strategies for employee and family health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and implementation of a novel, transdisciplinary research network.
• To assess the impact of an intervention targeting the psychosocial work environment.
• To explore challenges and benefits in conducting complex workplace health research.

Main Methods:

• Multisite study utilizing adaptive randomization and control groups.
• Comprehensive multilevel measures assessing employee, family, and manager outcomes.
• Integrated effectiveness, daily diary, process, and translational research components.

Main Results:

• The Work, Family & Health Network (WFHN) successfully designed and implemented a complex research network.
• Innovative, transdisciplinary, multi-method approaches were developed to address research challenges.
• The study provides a framework for future workplace health and wellbeing research.

Conclusions:

• Designing multilevel, transdisciplinary workplace research presents significant challenges.
• The WFHN's innovative approaches offer valuable insights for researchers and businesses.
• This network advances the science of improving employee and family health through workplace interventions.