Interventions to promote healthy & resilient organizations (HERO) from positive psychology

Abstract

The development of the concept of HEalthy and Resilient Organization (HERO) is a milestone in research and practice aimed at promoting health among employees, teams, and organizations. HERO is thus conceptualized as an organization that makes systematic, planned, and proactive efforts to improve employees’ and organizational processes and outcomes. These efforts involve fostering healthy organizational resources and practices intended to improve the work environment at the task, interpersonal, and organizational levels, especially during times of change and crisis. Despite its relevance in modern societies, research on the subject is scarce, particularly in terms of the effects of interventions focused on Positive Psychology. Consequently, the objective of this chapter is to present an overview of intervention effectiveness based on Positive Psychology. First, we focus on the concept, its relationship with salutogenesis, and the measurement of HEROs. Second, we review the literature on interventions to promote HEROs based on Positive Psychology. Third, we analyze methodological questions concerning the way to test the effectiveness of interventions in order to obtain criteria with which to develop a set of best practices. Finally, we address future research, professional practice, and teaching/training on positive interventions in organizations.