Almost since the Institute’s founding in 1990, research activities at IWH have been guided by five-year plans. The current five-year plan (2023-2027), approved by the Board of Directors in the spring of 2023, is subtitled “Building on the past. Looking to the Future.” It is the result of a year-long process that engaged stakeholders, senior representatives of IWH’s key partners and collaborators, members of the Board of Directors and IWH staff. It sets out four strategic directions that will guide our work over the five years, and ways we will measure success in each of these directions.
Current strategic plan
Social, technological, environmental, economic and political forces are reshaping workplaces, changing work exposures and affecting the ability of workers to sustain healthy and productive work. For policy-makers, employers and workers, the need has never been greater for reliable and impartial information to help guide the way forward.
The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) is committed to providing this information. The four strategic directions that will guide the Institute in producing and sharing work-and-health evidence are laid out in its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. This plan is the result of a year-long process that engaged stakeholders, members of the IWH Board of Directors and staff to take stock of IWH’s strengths and identify opportunities and priorities for the five-year period.
Our strategic directions
1. Advance the science of work and health
IWH will build on three decades of research excellence and continue to lead research on the reciprocal relationship between work and health that is responsive to complex contemporary challenges and has the potential for meaningful impact. Three main objectives guide this direction.
- Conduct excellent research: We will conduct excellent research that deepens our understanding of how to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of working people and promote full and inclusive work participation.
- Provide expert advice: We will provide expert advice to improve program and policy design and implementation in the work and health arena.
- Expand intervention evaluation: We will strengthen the evaluation of worker, workplace and systems-level interventions to improve worker health and promote work participation.
2. Expand the reach and impact of IWH research
Over the next five years, IWH will build on established programs to develop new partnerships that extend our KTE and communications activities and ensure that IWH research remains responsive and accessible to those who need it most. Three main objectives guide this direction.
- Strengthen our networks: We will strengthen our networks through continued and expanded engagement with stakeholders and partners.
- Deliver accessible evidence: We will deliver accessible evidence-based products and learning opportunities to catalyze the use of research among workers, workplaces and policy-makers.
- Expand our reach: We will expand our reach though strategic and creative dissemination of research findings.
3. Strengthen the work and health research ecosystem
From 2023 to 2027, IWH will help build a stronger work and health research ecosystem and solidify the Institute’s position as an attractive destination for innovative research talent. Three main objectives guide this direction.
- Support the next generation: We will develop and mentor the next generation of work and health researchers.
- Improve data capacity: We will improve data capacity within Ontario and across Canada to answer work and health questions.
- Develop novel methods: We will develop novel research methods and approaches, and accelerate their use and application in work and health studies.
4. Ensure IWH is a healthy, inclusive and engaging place to work
IWH will continue to build a safe and equitable work environment where research innovation can flourish, and all workers feel valued and supported in their professional growth. Three main objectives guide this direction.
- Demonstrate best practices: We will implement workplace health and safety best practices to ensure the health and wellbeing of all IWH staff.
- Integrate DEIA principles: We will integrate DEIA principles throughout IWH’s organization and research work by establishing and consistently applying policies and procedures.
- Cultivate professional growth: We will cultivate an environment of continuous growth where workers at IWH are supported in their professional development.