“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are
biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to
belong”. Brené Brown
In 2019, Boston University’s Dean Kenn Elmore arranged for all students participating in the
2019 orientation sessions to receive the book Belong (Workman Publishing Co.,
Inc., 2018). Radha Agrawal, the author of the book, defines belonging as “a feeling of deep
relatedness and acceptance; a feeling of ‘I would rather be here than anywhere else”’ (p. 17).
Agrawal’s goal with writing this book was “ ... to give [us] ... the blueprint to build and
nurture [our] own community from scratch, so [we] find happiness, fulfillment, and success”
(p. 15). I highly recommend reading this book which is “ ... split into two parts: Going IN,
which focuses on the development of your inner self through a discussion of self-awareness,
intention, and energy, and Going OUT, which focuses on finding the right community for you”
(https://www.bu.edu/dos/2019/06/25/belong-orientation-2019-book/). Through the
chapters, the reader learns how “ ... to create a world ... in which you feel a deep sense
of belonging”.
It is 33 years since
WORK
began. Over this time, our team with
the support of IOS Press, the publisher of the journal, has intentionally tried to create a
space where authors, reviewers, and the Editorial Board feel a sense of belonging. I thought
you would enjoy seeing a photo of our team, which was taken when Axana was visiting
Boston.
Left to right: Axana, Karen & Lindsey
This issue of WORK contains 30 papers including five that are related to
COVID-19. The Editor’s Choice paper is Impact of climate change on
occupational health and safety: A review of methodological approaches authored by
Ferrari, Leal, de Souza, and Galdamez. I suggest that most of you would agree that climate
change is having an impact globally on occupational health and safety among other aspects of
daily life. I challenge you to become more knowledgeable about this topic by reading this
review paper.
We have four
Learn at WORK
webinars scheduled for 2023 and more
are being planned. I hope you will join us for these interesting webinars of papers published
in WORK. Here is the schedule:
Monday, January 30, 2023 from 1pm-2pm EST will be the Learn at
WORK webinar on Mindfulness as a tool for reducing stress in healthcare
profession: An umbrella review. This is the Editor’s Choice paper published in
WORK authored by WORK Editorial Board member Dr. Prof. Giuseppe La Torre.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4302229996494667536
Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 1pm-2pm EST will be the Learn at
WORK webinar on Further psychometric evaluation of the Structured
Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool (SMET) questionnaire: Practical implications in
healthcare settings. Drs. Haraldsson, Rolander, Jonker, Strengbom and Josefsson
will present their paper. Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8889339731234872589
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 1pm-2pm EST will be the Learn at
WORK webinar presented by Kimberly Wickert on A “win
win” perspective on workplace accommodations: RETAIN
Kentucky’s self-advocacy guide to promote successful return to work and
stay at work outcomes for workers with disabilities. Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6782315912236171534
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 1pm-2pm EST will be the Learn at
WORK webinar on Emerging vocational rehabilitation strategies for people
with diabetes mellitus which is part of the Return to Work Corner
series. The paper was authored by Rumrill, Jr., Lee, Minton, Bishop, Koch and Pittman.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1365909428917483872
As always, I welcome hearing from you.
All my best,
Founding Editor,
WORK
Occupational therapist & ergonomist
Kjacobs@bu.edu
workjournal.org
blogs.bu.edu/kjacobs/
