MIT Warehouse Work, Health, and Well-Being Study FAQs

What is the Health and Well-being Committee (HaWC)?

The HaWC is a group of 10-12 volunteer associates and supervisors who meet on a regular basis and during regular work time to hear employee concerns about health, safety, and well-being at work, prioritize concerns, and create and implement action plans. There will be two “co-leads,” one associate and one supervisor, who will lead the committee.

Who can join the Health and Well-being Committee?

All associates and supervisors are welcome to sign up to join the HaWC. Though the committee will ultimately be between 10-12 people, even if you’re not able to participate at the start, you may have the opportunity to get involved later.

Why should I join?

By participating in the HaWC, you’ll be able to get involved and take action on what you care about most. You’ll also be able to share your ideas with a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School who are eager to hear from you and learn from you.

What kinds of problems will the Health and Well-being Committee try and tackle?

The HaWC will address concerns about working conditions. These concerns could include things like:

• Work-life balance, supervisor and co-worker support, being treated well and respected at work, stresses from COVID-19

• Physical hazards, lighting, noise, COVID-19 safety protocols, and other traditional health and safety concerns

• Training opportunities, scheduling, job tasks, job demands, staffing levels

If I join, what will I be asked to do?

• Attend HaWC meetings
• Participate actively in meetings
• Communicate openly and honestly
• Help brainstorm solutions
• Carry out action plans to make things better and learn along the way
• Talk about and promote HaWC activities with your coworkers

More questions? Please reach out to Grace DeHorn at (574) 299-6862 or gdehorn@mit.edu.