Michigan Leads Nation as First State Labor Department Named NIOSH Total Worker Health Affiliate

Honor places the state among the earliest adopters of comprehensive, evidence-based worker well-being practices

LANSING, Mich. —The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) was named a Total Worker Health® Affiliate with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), making Michigan the first state in the nation to have a labor department receive this status. The recognition highlights Michigan’s leadership in advancing workplace mental health as a core component of worker safety, productivity and business success. 

The designation recognizes LEO’s Healthy Work Healthy Mind initiative, which integrates mental health into workplace safety and health strategies to support workers, strengthen employers and drive better economic outcomes statewide. LEO is the first and only state labor department in the nation leading this type of comprehensive, evidence-based workplace mental health work. 

“Supporting both physical and mental health for employees is essential to strong families, resilient businesses and a competitive economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Michigan is proud to be leading the way in integrating mental health into workplace safety and success.” 

Through Healthy Work Healthy Mind, LEO is advancing workplace mental health as a critical element of worker safety and organizational performance. By helping employers address stress, trauma and mental health challenges on the job, the department is supporting healthier workers, stronger workplaces and better outcomes for Michigan’s economy. 

“Work has a direct impact on people’s health and well-being,” said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan. “Through Healthy Work Healthy Mind, we’re helping employers create workplaces where workers are supported, safe and able to thrive. Being a NIOSH Total Worker Health® Affiliate (TWH) ensures Michigan’s approach is evidence-based, people-centered and designed to strengthen both workers and businesses.” 

Over the past few years, LEO has expanded evidence-based resources and launched innovative tools to help employers strengthen workplace culture and resilience. Central to this work is the Learn, Educate, Act, Deploy, Study (LEADS) workplace mental health consultation pilot. Developed in partnership with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Willamette University, LEADS provides employers with practical, research-informed strategies to improve employee well-being, reduce risk and support leadership — delivering a clear return on investment through improved retention, engagement and performance. 

LEO also hosts free Healthy Work Healthy Mind monthly webinars, coordinates expert speakers across the state, publishes comprehensive statewide workplace mental health reports and connects employers with tools and best practices to reduce workplace stress and build resilience. The initiative is setting a new national standard by combining education, research and real-world action. 

Learn more about Michigan’s efforts at Michigan.gov/HealthyWorkHealthyMind. 

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About the NIOSH Total Worker Health® Affiliate Program

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office for Total Worker Health® established the NIOSH Total Worker Health Affiliate Program in 2014 to foster collaborations with government and nonprofit organizations to advance the safety, health, and well-being of America’s workers. 

As of January 2026, the program includes more than 60 Affiliate organizations nationwide. 

The newest Affiliates — Interactive Community Alliance, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Oregon State University — reflect the breadth of the Affiliate network, from employers implementing Total Worker Health approaches to organizations sharing promising practices and advancing outreach on worker well-being. 

NIOSH is the federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. More information about the Total Worker Health Affiliate Program is available on the NIOSH website. Additional information about NIOSH can be found at cdc.gov/niosh.