Michael Whitmore

Photo of Michael Whitmore
Research Leader
Cambridge Office

Education

M.B.A., Cass Business School; M.A. in applied social science and social work, Durham University; B.Sc. in psychology and law, Keele University

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact RAND Europe Media Relations at +44 (1223) 353 329, x2560, or email europeanmedia@rand.org.

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Overview

Michael Whitmore is a research leader at RAND Europe, primarily developing initiatives and research into health and work wellbeing.

His career spans more than twenty-five years across health and social care with the last nine largely dedicated to health and work. He has held roles that include programme director to Dame Carol Black's UK cross-government health and work team, developing fit for work services, as well as international product director of Wellbeing for Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group. He has also led global digital and big-data platforms, population health projects in inter-systemic behaviour change, delayed transfers of care and health and social care integration as well as development of a national mental health wellbeing programme to the UK construction industry.

Whitmore has an M.B.A. with distinction from Cass Business School, an International Leadership Certificate from London Business School, an M.A. in applied social science and social work from Durham University and a B.Sc. in psychology and law from Keele University.

Research Focus

Commentary

  • Back view of a woman working on a computer in her home office, photo by borchee/Getty Images

    Managing the Challenge of Workforce Presenteeism in the COVID-19 Crisis

    Presenteeism occurs when people work when in suboptimal health. Both presenteeism and absenteeism are key influences on workplace productivity, but presenteeism is by far the most significant. It's vital that employers identify and deal with presenteeism, for the health of their people as well as that of the organization.

    Sep 25, 2020 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

  • Young Black woman working on a computer at home with her dog on her lap, photo by filadendron/Getty Images

    COVID-19 Brings Opportunity to Reassess Work Policies

    As certain COVID-19 restrictions lift, and life for some begins to return to a “new normal,” employers may have the opportunity to rebuild work policies to better support those employees who want to continue working from home. This could produce well-being benefits for employees, without compromising on, and often increasing, productivity.

    Aug 11, 2020 Employee Benefits

  • People learning about wellbeing, photo by Rawpixel/Getty Images

    Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace

    Much of the mental health support provided by employers focuses on individual staff members, but it is equally important to consider how an organization itself may need to change to effectively support employees. If an organization is serious about improving staff mental health, assessing the working culture honestly and implementing appropriate changes could be one necessary step.

    Jan 13, 2020 Employee Benefits

  • Hospital worker feeling overwhelmed, photo by Dean Mitchell/Getty Images

    Is Training for NHS Staff to Manage Workplace Violence Effective?

    Going to work should not mean being subjected to physical or verbal assault, but this is the reality faced by thousands of frontline NHS staff. De-escalation training may help staff manage patient violence and aggression, but there is not enough research about what works in specific healthcare contexts.

    Sep 4, 2019 Nursing Times

  • A construction worker drags a trolley down a tunnel at the site for the new Crossrail station in Tottenham Court Road, in London, Britain, November 16, 2016

    Building Understanding of the Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry

    Employers looking to address mental health problems among staff must recognize the causes and understand mental health challenges within the organization. Construction workers could face greater risk than workers in other sectors, but awareness of support and help remains low.

    Jan 11, 2018 Building Magazine

  • Coworkers taking a break in the office to stretch

    Measuring What Works: Workplace Well-Being

    The link between productivity and well-being is recognized and increasingly accepted as a prerequisite of strong employer and employee performance. HR professionals and CEOs believe that high employee well-being means high staff engagement and a real intention to do well for the workforce.

    Nov 28, 2016 CIPD

Publications