Principal takes her message of healthy workplaces to Washington

Health and Wellbeing in the workplace is no longer merely a matter of traditional ‘health and safety’, but of stress, autonomy, flexibility and quality of management. Ask anyone who’s struggled with a micromanaging boss, unrealistic expectations, or too many competing demands. This emphasis is becoming increasingly important as the nature of work changes. For over 12 years, Dame Carol Black’s work has focused on the broader concept of health at work. Her goal is for organisations to adopt radically better working culture and practices.

Dame Carol’s international expertise on the subject was recognised again this week, when she gave a keynote speech at the USA’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Washington D.C. The 2nd International Symposium to advance Total Worker Health brought together experts from academia, labour, business, and government, examining opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the workforce across the nation and world.

In her address, Dame Carol discussed progress around the world in understanding the major risks to workplace health and in implementing healthy working practices. Dame Carol Black is Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, and Expert Adviser on Health and Work to NHS England and Public Health England.

While in Washington the Principal took the opportunity to hold a reception for Newnham alumnae based in the Washington area.