Background

The Goldilocks Work paradigm is a way of thinking about work that emphasizes the potential for work design to not only minimize injury and harm, but also to positively impact the health of workers while maintaining production levels.

Purpose

We outline the conception of the Goldilocks Work paradigm, which initially drew together ideas including that both too little and too much physical loading can be detrimental to health, and that other aspects of physical loading (e.g. temporal pattern, intensity and type) are also important for health.

Methods

Initial studies are described that focused on physical behaviors, cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal health, mental health and social inequity in the context of Goldilocks Work.

Results

Lessons learned from these experiences are described along with the resulting refinement of the Goldilocks Work paradigm, including emphasizing that it holds not only for physical but also for mental and social work elements, and the need to give a clearer description of key concepts including the concept “just right.” Potential future directions for Goldilocks Work research, policy, and practice are highlighted, including supporting collaboration with mental and social element experts, utilizing a broader range of research methods to build evidence and understanding, building engagement with policy makers to support proactive workplace expectations and work design initiatives, and support change processes driven by the workplace.

Conclusion

Together, these future activities are proposed to achieve the vision of Goldilocks Work and contribute to global goals for individual, workplace and societal sustainability.