About this course

In this course, participants will explore the theories and principles of healthy work through the Goldilocks Work framework and develop practical skills for creating healthier workplaces. Combining academic and industry perspectives, the course features presentations, group discussions, and hands-on group work to support the practical application of the framework.

Participants will hear examples from previous Goldilocks Work intervention studies and reflect on key lessons learned. A strong emphasis is placed on doing Goldilocks Work—that is, practicing how to apply the framework and develop interventions in new occupations and organisations. Current evidence on the effectiveness of the Goldilocks Work framework is presented alongside key challenges related to its implementation, including how to assess what is “just right,” evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and determine the level(s) at which change can or should be expected (organisation, group, and/or individual).

The aim is for this hands-on NIVA course is to serve as a starting point for practitioners and researchers who wish to initiate new Goldilocks Work projects. The course will take place immediately before the next International Goldilocks Work Conference. Course participants are invited to attend the conference, which will be held at the National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NFA) in Copenhagen.

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Course objectives

The course aims to develop participants’ understanding of healthy work within the context of the Goldilocks Work Framework, provide practical experience in designing healthy work using the framework, and strengthen their ability to apply the framework in practice when developing workplace interventions.

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Main Topics

• What is healthy work? Physical, mental and social components 
• The Goldilocks Work Framework – designing health promoting work 
• How the Goldilocks Work Framework differs from other work organization approaches 
• Key Goldilocks Work Framework elements, e.g. the ‘just right’ approach 
• Goldilocks Work in action: examples of previous interventions 
• Experiences in doing Goldilocks Work – researcher and company perspectives 
• Next steps in the development of Goldilocks Work 

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Target groups

• Researchers, PhD students, Specialists, Practitioners, Policymakers, Union representatives.

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Subject background

With rising retirement ages, Nordic countries are seeking to extend working lives. This requires work that enhances worker health while maintaining production goals.

Goldilocks work is a framework for understanding, improving, implementing and evaluating healthy work. The framework focuses on three key concepts: (1) work should offer a ‘just right’ balance of exposures, (2) work should have a positive impact on health, and (3) initiatives should address productive work.

General course fee and cancellation information

The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline.

Travel arrangements

Please refrain from booking any travel tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent at the latest after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day-packages, as well as information on practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Our venues for organising courses have carefully considered accessibility to ensure they cater to the needs of all participants. For detailed information about the course venues accessibility features, please visit Konventums website.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received by 1 March 2027: Full refund.
Cancellations received on or after 2 March 2027: No refund.

NIVA will issue an invoice or send information on how to pay the course with credit card (depending on the option chosen in the registration form) after the registration deadline.

The price is subject to minor changes.

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Contact persons

Course leaders

Jennie Jackson, Associate Professor, University of Gävle, Sweden
email: Jennie.jackson@hig.se

In practical matters, please contact:

Nathalie Räihä, Project Manager at NIVA
email: nathalie.raiha@niva.org

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