From nonmalfeasance to beneficence: Key criteria, approaches, and ethical issues relating to positive employee health and well-being

Abstract

In this chapter, we look at positive employee health and well-being and why organizations should invest in comprehensive employee well-being programs. We explore the practical steps needed to move from nonmalfeasance (to do “no harm” to employees) to employee beneficence (to “do good” to employees), using an applied ethics perspective. We draw on the positive health and well-being movement to define a number of positive criteria that are relevant to quality of work life programs. We then review a number of best practice strategies for meeting employee health and well-being needs. We follow with a detailed consideration of positive psychological health programs – a gap in current literature and practice. Our key point is that ethically responsible organizations need to consider the full illness to wellness continuum when meeting employee health and well-being needs, not just to achieve financial return, but because this aligns with both business and ethical imperatives.