In today's fast-paced 24/7 society, workplace pressures are increasing. Productivity demands, information overload, pressure to balance work and home-life can take a significant toll on employees' health, well-being and job satisfaction.
According to a national survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of men and women say work has a significant impact on their stress level. Job stress is estimated to cost U.S. employers $300 billion a year in absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover and direct medical, legal and insurance fees.
Organizations today are faced with skyrocketing healthcare costs, fierce global competition, and economic uncertainty. Cutting-edge organizations in an increasingly flat world are looking for a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Truly innovative organizational leaders now recognize that the key to success lies in their own workforce and that employee health and well-being and organizational performance are inextricably linked. In a wokplace where there is a "War for Talent" minimizing workplace stress plays an important role in the retention of valued employees. Visionary leaders are creating cultures that engage the hearts, minds, emotions, and spirit of their people to create a psychologically healthy workplace.
The California State Psychological Association Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award program is designed to recognize organizations that make a commitment to programs and policies that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance and productivity
Applicants are evaluated on their efforts in the following areas:
- Employee involvement
- Work-Life Balance
- Employee Growth and Development
- Health and Safety
- Employee Recognition
What is a psychologically healthy workplace? Psychologically healthy workplace practices include:
- Employee participation in decision-making
- Leadership development
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Channels for open, two-way communication
- Mechanisms to evaluate employee job satisfaction
- Programs to prevent and manage workplace stress
- Recognition of individual and team performance
I have been selected for the third time as the San Francisco Bay Area Chairperson for the award to review applicant materials and conduct organizational site reviews as part of a team of three workplace psychologists.
Additional information about the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award program can be found at : www.phwa.org
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