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| Psychology News |
Coleman Professional Services of Kent Receives Best Practices Honor from the American Psychological Association
Company is Past Winner of the Ohio Psychological Association’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award
Coleman Professional Services (CPS) was recently presented with a Best Practices Honor from the American Psychological Association (APA) in Washington, DC. The behavioral healthcare organization was recognized for its extensive use of employees’ input in the design and development of its senior care facility. The employee participation in the new facility’s design was honored as a best practice in employee involvement, one of the components of a psychologically healthy workplace.
Coleman was previously awarded the Ohio Psychological Association’s (OPA) state-level Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award (PHWA). As a state-level winner, the company qualified for nomination by OPA for the Best Practices Honor.
In 1998 CPS acquired Portage Area Senior Services (PASS), a program serving older adults with physical and mental health needs. The PASS building was outdated and without adequate space or lighting. Staff safety was also affected due to structural limitations that prevented the installation of equipment to help lift clients. PASS employees were included in planning a new facility, working with architects and providing input through ongoing meetings. Last minute suggestions were also included even though the building’s completion was delayed. The comfortable and safer new building accommodated staff and client needs, including the flexibility to provide different levels of care. As a result of CPS’ efforts to involve employees, PASS staff turnover has decreased by 30 percent, employee morale and satisfaction have increased, and the number of clients served has increased by 60 percent.
The Best Practices Honors is a national program developed by APA to recognize organizations for an innovative program or policy that fosters a psychologically healthy workplace. Nominees for this national honor were selected from a pool of previous state-level Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award winners and submitted for consideration by the psychological association of the state, province, or territory in which the company is located. This year, the APA recognized 10 companies with the Best Practices Honors.
Studies show that, among other benefits, psychologically healthy workplace practices can increase job retention and satisfaction as well as reduce stress. The American Institute of Stress estimates that workplace stress costs U.S. industry $300 billon per year in absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and direct medical, legal, and insurance fees. According to an APA survey, two-thirds of men and women say work has a significant impact on their stress level, and as a result one in four has called in sick or missed work.
More information about the National PHWA winners and Best Practices Honorees is available at http://apahelpcenter.mediaroom.com. Companies interested in learning more about creating a psychologically healthy workplace or applying for an award in their state, province or territory, can visit www.phwa.org.
Click here to learn more information about OPA’s PHWA program.