NIOSH WellBQ

NIOSH WellBQ

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Worker Well-Being Questionnaire 

(NIOSH WellBQ)

Version 1

Welcome! Thank you for agreeing to fill out the National Institute for Occupational Safety and 

Health Worker Well-Being Questionnaire, which is known as the NIOSH WellBQ. This survey 

asks about aspects of your job and workplace, your health, and your life outside of work. The 

information will help provide a better understanding of how workers in your organization are 

doing and identify ways to improve worker well-being.

You can choose not to participate. On any question, you can choose not to give an answer. 

There are no right or wrong answers. Just base your answers on what you think. Some questions 

might not apply to your situation. In these cases, you can choose “Does not apply” if it is one 

of the answer choices. Please try to complete the survey in one sitting. It will take about 15 

minutes to complete.

If you have more than one job, please answer questions as they apply to your main job.

This product is a component of the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ): DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2021-110 (revised 5/2021) DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2021110revised52021
NIOSH WellBQ

The questions in this section ask how you feel about different aspects of your job. If you 

have more than one job, please answer questions as they apply to your main job.

Q1 . Overall, I am ____ with my job.

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

Q2 . I am ____ with my wages.

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

Q3 . I am ____ with the benefits provided by my employer. 

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

	 Does not apply 

Q4 . I am ____ with my chances for advancement on the job.

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

Q5 . I can count on my supervisor for support when I need it.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q6 . I can count on my coworkers for support when I need it.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply
NIOSH WellBQ

Q7 . I feel my job is secure.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q8 . I am given a lot of freedom to decide how to do my own work.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q9 . I never seem to have enough time to get everything done on my job.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q10 . The work I do is meaningful to me.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q11 . The work I do serves a greater purpose.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree
NIOSH WellBQ

Q12. How often do you experience these feelings when you are working

Never Almost never

(a few times a 

year or less)

Rarely

(once a month 

or less)

Sometimes

(a few times a 

month)

Often

(once a 

week)

Very often

(a few times a 

week)

Always

(every day)

A. Enthusiastic

B. Energetic 

C. Content

D. At ease

E. Anxious

F. Angry

G. Gloomy

H. Discouraged 

Q13. How often do you experience fatigue when you are working

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)

Q14. My work inspires me.

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)

Q15 . I am immersed in my work.

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)
NIOSH WellBQ

Q16 . When I get up in the morning, I feel like going to work.

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)

The questions in this section ask how you feel about your organization and about benefits 

and health programs available at work . If you have more than one job, please answer 

questions as they apply to your main job.

Q17 . At my organization, I am treated with respect.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q18 . My organization values my contributions.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q19 . My organization cares about my general satisfaction at work.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q20 . My organization is willing to extend resources in order to help me perform my job to the 

best of my ability.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply
NIOSH WellBQ

Q21 . I receive recognition for a job well done. 

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q22 . I trust the management at my organization.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q23 . My organization is committed to employee health and well-being.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

Q24 . My organization encourages me and provides opportunities to engage in healthy 

behaviors, such as being physically active, eating a healthy diet, living tobacco free, and 

managing my stress.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply
NIOSH WellBQ

Q25. Are the following benefits offered by your employer?

Yes No Don't know Does not apply 

A. Health insurance

B. Assistance with education/tuition

C. Retirement (employer contributions to retirement 

 savings)

D. Paid maternity leave

E. Paid paternity leave

F. Paid sick leave

G. Other paid caregiving leave (for example, to care

 for sick family members)

H. Paid disability leave

 I. Paid vacation days

J. Other paid leave (for example, bereavement, 

 emergency, jury duty)

K. Ability to take unpaid leave

L. Transit options (such as help with transportation 

 to and from work)

M. On-site medical care

N. Employee assistance programs (such as programs 

 that help workers with personal or work-related 

 problems)

Q26. Are the following health and wellness programs or services available to you at the place

where you work? 

Yes No Don't know Does not apply 

A. Health education and promotion programs 

 (wellness programs)

B. On-site fitness centers or gym membership 

 discounts (includes a gym and/or space for group 

 classes)

C. Common spaces or activity hubs (areas for group 

 activities, such as socializing, exercise classes, etc.)

D. Smoking cessation programs

E. Alcohol and substance programs

F. Stress management programs

G. Access to healthy lunch and snack options
NIOSH WellBQ

Q27 . How often do the demands of your job interfere with your personal life?

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)

Q28 . How often do the demands of your personal life interfere with your work on the job?

	 Never

	 Almost never (a few times a year or less)

	 Rarely (once a month or less)

	 Sometimes (a few times a month)

	 Often (once a week)

	 Very often (a few times a week)

	 Always (every day)

Q29 . I have the freedom to vary my work schedule.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q30 . I have the freedom to work wherever is best for me—either at home or at my organization.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

	 Does not apply

The questions in this section ask about physical characteristics of your work environment 

and safety conditions where you work . If you have more than one job, please answer 

questions as they apply to your main job.

Q31 . Overall, how safe do you think your workplace is?

	 Very unsafe

	 Somewhat unsafe

	 Somewhat safe

	 Very safe
NIOSH WellBQ

Q32. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements

about safety practices at your workplace.

Strongly

disagree

Somewhat 

disagree

Somewhat 

agree

Strongly

agree

Does 

not

apply

A. Management reacts quickly to solve the problem 

 when told about safety hazards.

B. Management insists on thorough and regular safety 

 audits and inspections.

C. Management provides all the equipment needed to 

 do the job safely.

D. Management invests a lot of time and money in 

 safety training for workers.

E. Management listens carefully to workers’ ideas about 

 improving safety.

F. Management gives safety personnel the power they 

 need to do their job.

Q33. On my present job, this is how I feel about the following topics

Not at all

satisfied

Not too satisfied Somewhat 

satisfied

Very satisfied 

A. The environmental conditions (heating, lighting, 

 ventilation, etc.)

B. The physical surroundings (for example, building 

 infrastructure, work area layout, design)

C. The pleasantness of the work environment

Q33D. The accommodations for disabilities and/or special needs (wheelchair ramps, lactation

rooms, etc.)

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

	 Does not apply

Q34. I feel discriminated against in my job because of my age

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree
NIOSH WellBQ

Q35 . I feel discriminated against in my job because of my race or ethnic origin. 

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q36 . I feel discriminated against in my job because of my gender.

	 Strongly disagree

	 Somewhat disagree

	 Somewhat agree

	 Strongly agree

Q37 . In the past 12 months, were you sexually harassed by anyone while you were on the job?

	 Yes

	 No

Q38 . In the past 12 months, were you exposed to physical violence while you were on the job?

	 Yes

	 No

Q39 . In the past 12 months, were you bullied, threatened, or harassed in any other way by 

anyone while you were on the job?

	 Yes

	 No

Q40 . In the past 12 months, have you been in a situation where any of your superiors or 

coworkers put you down or were condescending to you, made demeaning remarks about you, 

or addressed you in unprofessional terms?

	 Yes

	 No

	 Does not apply 

The questions in this section ask about your physical and mental health and health-related 

behaviors .

Q41 . Would you say that in general, your health is poor, fair, good, very good, or excellent?

	 Poor

	 Fair

	 Good

	 Very good

	 Excellent 
NIOSH WellBQ

Q42. Now, thinking about your physical health, which includes physical illness and injury, during

the past 30 days, for how many days was your physical health not good? 

Enter number of days (0–30) 

Q43. Have you ever had any of the following

Never In the past Have currently

A. Arthritis

B. Other musculoskeletal disorders (for example, back pain, neck

 pain, other pain)

C. Asthma

D. Lung disease, other than asthma (for example, chronic 

 obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], chronic bronchitis, 

 emphysema)

E. Cancer

F. Depression

G. Diabetes

H. Heart disease

I. High blood pressure

Q44. Have you ever had chronic insomnia

	 Never

	 In the past

	 Have currently

Q45. Now, thinking about your mental health, which includes stress, depression, anxiety, and

problems with emotions, during the past 30 days, for how many days was your mental health 

not good? 

Enter number of days (0–30) 

Q46. How often do you experience stress with regard to the following topics

Never Almost never

(a few times a 

year or less)

Rarely

(once a month 

or less) 

Sometimes

(a few times a 

month)

Often 

(once a 

week)

Very often

(a few times a 

week)

Always

(every day)

A. Your health

B. Your finances

C. Your family or social 

 relationships

D. Your work
NIOSH WellBQ

Q47 . Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or 

hopeless?

	 Not at all 

	 Several days

	 More than half the days

	 Nearly every day

Q48 . Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by little interest or pleasure in 

doing things?

	 Not at all 

	 Several days

	 More than half the days

	 Nearly every day

Q49 . Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or 

on edge?

	 Not at all 

	 Several days

	 More than half the days

	 Nearly every day

Q50 . Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by not being able to stop or 

control worrying?

	 Not at all 

	 Several days

	 More than half the days

	 Nearly every day

Q51 . In a typical week, how many days do you get at least 20 minutes of high intensity physical 

activity? (High intensity activity lasts at least 10 minutes and increases your heart rate, makes 

you sweat, and may make you feel out of breath; examples are running, fast cycling, and 

strenuous, continuous lifting of heavy objects.)

Enter number of days (0–7) 

Q52 . In a typical week, how many days do you get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity 

physical activity? (Moderate intensity activity lasts at least 10 minutes and requires more effort 

than is needed for typical everyday tasks; examples are brisk walking, gardening, and continuous 

lifting of light objects.)

Enter number of days (0–7) 
NIOSH WellBQ

Q53. Do you use any of the following tobacco products

Never Not any more Some days Daily 

A. Cigarettes

B. Cigars

C. Pipes

D. Smokeless tobacco

E. Electronic cigarettes

Q54 . How many drinks of alcoholic beverages do you have in a typical week? (One drink = one 

beer, glass of wine, shot of liquor, or mixed drink.) 

Enter number of drinks

Q55 . During the past year, how often have you had more than four drinks if you are a male, or 

more than three drinks if you are a female, on any single day? (One drink = one beer, glass of 

wine, shot of liquor, or mixed drink.)

	 Never

	 Once (1 day)

	 A few times (2 or 3 days)

	 Often (more than 3 days)

Q56 . Think of the foods that are a part of your normal diet. How many servings of fruits and 

vegetables do you eat in a normal day? 

(One serving is any of the following: 1 cup raw leafy greens [about the size of a small fist]; 1⁄2 

cup of other vegetables [cooked or raw]; 1 medium piece of fruit [about the size of a baseball]; 

1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit; or 3⁄4 cup vegetable or fruit juice.)

	 Less than 1 serving

	 1 serving

	 2 servings

	 3 servings

	 4 servings

	 5 or more servings

Q57 . How many hours of sleep do you usually get at night? If you are a shift worker, how many 

hours of sleep do you get a day? 

	 6 or fewer hours

	 7 hours

	 8 hours

	 9 or more hours
NIOSH WellBQ

Q58 . In the past 7 days, how often have you felt sleepy while at work?

	 Never

	 Rarely

	 Sometimes

	 Usually

	 Always 

Q59 . Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have serious difficulty 

concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?

	 Not at all

	 Slightly

	 Moderately

	 Extremely

	 Does not apply/do not have condition

Q60 . Are you limited in the kind or amount of work you can do because of a physical, mental, or 

emotional problem?

	 Not at all

	 Slightly

	 Moderately

	 Extremely

	 Does not apply/do not have problem

Q61 . In the past month...

Never Almost never

(one time a 

month)

Rarely

(once a 

week or 

less)

Sometimes

(a few times a 

week)

Often

(once a 

day)

Very often 

(a few times 

a day)

Always 

(every hour)

A. How often did you

 not concentrate

 enough on your work? 

B. How often did you find 

 yourself not working as

 carefully as you should?

C. How often did you not 

 work at times when you 

 were supposed to be 

 working?

D. How often did you get 

 less done than other

 workers?
NIOSH WellBQ

Q62 . During the past 12 months, did you experience any work-related injuries?

	 Yes

	 No 

Q63 . If you experienced any work-related injuries in the past 12 months, did any of them require 

any first aid or medical treatment, change in job activities, or lost time from work? 

	 Yes

	 No

	 Does not apply/was not injured in the past 12 months 

The questions in this section ask about your experiences, feelings, and activities outside of 

work .

Q64 . In general, how satisfied are you with your life?

	 Not at all satisfied

	 Not too satisfied

	 Somewhat satisfied

	 Very satisfied

Q65 . How worried are you right now about not being able to maintain the standard of living you 

enjoy?

	 Not worried at all

	 Not too worried

	 Moderately worried

	 Very worried 

Q66 . How worried are you right now about not having enough income to pay your normal 

monthly bills?

	 Not worried at all

	 Not too worried

	 Moderately worried

	 Very worried 

Q67 . How often do you get the social and emotional support you need from friends, family, or 

others outside of work?

	 Never

	 Rarely

	 Sometimes

	 Always
NIOSH WellBQ

Q68. In general, how often do you take part in any of the following activities outside of work

Never Almost never

(A few times a 

year or less)

Rarely

(Once a month 

or less)

Sometimes 

(A few times 

a month)

Often 

(Once a 

week)

Very often 

(A few times 

a week)

Always 

(Every day) 

Does 

not apply

A. Voluntary or charitable

 activities 

B. Domestic caregiving

 activities (for example, 

 children, elderly or

 disabled relatives/ friends,

 but not in a volunteer 

 or charity setting)

C. Home maintenance tasks

 (for example, cooking, 

 cleaning, repairs)

D. Socializing with friends,

 family, others

E. Taking training or 

 education courses

F. Sporting, cultural, or 

 leisure activities

G. Relaxation or planned

 solitary activities

You have completed the NIOSH WellBQ. Thank you for your time
NIOSH WellBQ

Optional Items

The questions in this section ask about your current working arrangements, occupation, 

and the industrial sector in which you are working . If you have more than one job, please 

answer questions as they apply to your main job.

E1 . How would you describe your work arrangement in your job? 

	 I am an independent contractor, an independent consultant, or a freelance worker.

	 I am on call and work only when called to work.

	 I am paid by a temporary agency.

	 I work for a contractor who provides workers and services to others under contract.

	 I am a regular, permanent employee. 

E2 . Is your job full-time or part-time? 

	 Full-time 

	 Part-time

E3 . How long have you worked in your job? 

	 Less than 1 year

	 1–5 years

	 6–10 years

	 10–20 years

	 More than 20 years
NIOSH WellBQ

E4 . Select the occupation that best describes the kind of work you do in your job.

	 Architecture and Engineering 

	 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media 

	 Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 

	 Business and Financial Operations 

	 Computer and Mathematical 

	 Community and Social Service 

	 Construction and Extraction 

	 Education Instruction and Library

	 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 

	 Food Preparation and Serving Related 

	 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 

	 Healthcare Support

	 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

	 Legal

	 Life, Physical, and Social Science 

	 Management 

	 Material Moving 

	 Military Specific

	 Office and Administrative Support 

	 Personal Care and Service 

	 Production 

	 Protective Service 

	 Sales and Related 

	 Transportation 

	 Other (Please specify): _______________________________
NIOSH WellBQ

E5 . Select the kind of industry or business you work in for your job.

	 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 

	 Accommodation and Food Services 

	 Administrative and Support and Waste Management 

	 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 

	 Construction

	 Educational Services

	 Finance and Insurance

	 Health Care and Social Assistance

	 Information

	 Management of Companies and Enterprises

	 Manufacturing

	 Military

	 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 

	 Other Services, Except Public Administration 

	 Public Administration 

	 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

	 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

	 Retail Trade

	 Transportation and Warehousing

	 Utilities

	 Wholesale Trade

	 Other (Please specify): _______________________________
NIOSH WellBQ

The questions in this section ask for basic information about yourself . 

D1 . What is your age?

	 18–29

	 30–44

	 45–64

	 65 and older

D2. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have

received? 

	 Less than high school 

	 High school/GED

	 Some college

	 Bachelor’s degree or higher 

D3. Do you consider yourself to be Hispanic or Latino

	 Yes

	 No

	 Refused

	 Don’t know

D4. What race or races do you consider yourself to be? Please select one or more of these

categories.

	 White

	 Black/African American

	 American Indian

	 Alaska Native

	 Native Hawaiian

	 Other Pacific Islander

	 Asian

	 Some other race

	 Refused

	 Don’t know

D5. Are you male or female

	 Male

	 Female

	 Refused

	 Don’t know
NIOSH WellBQ

D6. Do you think of yourself as gay/lesbian or gay; straight, that is, not gay/lesbian; bisexual;

something else; or you don’t know the answer?

	 Gay/lesbian

	 Straight, that is, not gay/lesbian

	 Bisexual

	 Something else

	 I don’t know the answer

	 Refused

	 Don’t know

D7. What was your entire household income last year, before taxes

	 <$20,000

	 $20,000 to $34,999

	 $35,000 to $49,999

	 $50,000 to $74,999

	 $75,000 to $99,999

	 $100,000 to $149,999

	 $150,000 to $199,999

	 $200,000 or more

D8. Are you the head of your household?

	 Yes

	 No

D9. What is your current marital status

	 Married or living with partner

	 Widowed

	 Divorced 

	 Separated 

	 Never married

D10. How many dependents currently live in your household? Please enter the total number in 

each age category. 

A. Total number of household members age 0 to 5

B. Total number of household members age 6 to 12

C. Total number of household members age 13 to 17

D. Total number of household members age 18 or older