Ellen MacEachen
Ellen MacEachen is a Professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.
Her research examines the design and performance of work and health systems to identify how they can be improved and adapted to fast changing economic, social and technological environments of our global economy. She specialises in qualitative research methods and her research is informed by a critical sociological lens.
Dr. MacEachen is particularly interested in international work disability policy and health risks and opportunities of new forms of work (such as the digital economy, and “sharing economy” gigs). She has a special interest in vulnerable workers and the growth of precarious employment. Her edited book, “The Science and Politics of Work Disability Policy” provides an international picture of social security systems, work and health.
MacEachen works closely with policy-maker and community stakeholders. She sits on the Labour Market Information Expert Panel for the Labour Market Information Council of Canada, a federal advisory committee that provides independent advice on labour market policy and practice. She is also an International Scientific Advisory Board member for Sweden’s HELIX Competence Centre on Sustainable Development in Organisations. She is past president of the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health, an associate editor with the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, and co-founder of the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy.