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The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards recognize
organizations that make a commitment to programs and policies that enhance
the quality of the work environment for its employees in the areas of
employee involvement, work-life balance, employee growth and development,
health and safety and employee recognition.
A psychologically healthy workplace increases workers’ job
satisfaction and loyalty to their employer. Awards will be given in each of
six categories*, based on number of employees and whether the applicant is a
for profit or not-for-profit organization. Winners were recognized at a
special luncheon during the Ohio Psychological Association’s
2007 Convention (October 24-26, 2007,
at Quest Business Center). In addition, winners may be featured in the
media, promoted in company internal and/or external communications vehicles,
recognized by community leaders, and better positioned to distinguish
themselves from competitors.
The evaluation process will consist of several steps,
including: application review, on-site visit and evaluation, and anonymous
employee survey. This award is supported by the American Psychological
Association. Questions and inquires may be directed to
Katie Crabtree
Thomas, Director of Communications and Education, at (800) 783-1983 or
using the e-mail link above.
* Subject to participation and quality of applications
The nominated program,
policy, approach or philosophy should address at least one of these four
categories:
Employee
Involvement
Opportunities for workers
to be engaged, such as:
-
Express their opinions and give feedback regarding the work environment
and their work tasks in a receptive environment
- Make
decisions, solve problems, manage conflict and influence organizational
development
-
Share, and be recognized for, any new work process ideas or innovations
they have
-
Evaluate his/her own job performance
Work-Life Balance
A supportive approach to
concerns of workers and their families, such as opportunities for:
-
Child care assistance, including but not limited to accessible
information, onsite facilities, payment for childcare or dependent care
assistance plans
-
Elder care assistance, including but not limited to resource and referral
services and financial support for elder care
-
Flexible schedule arrangements, such as variable work hours or working
from home
-
Availability of on-site or nearby conveniences to improve quality of work
life (i.e. banking, dining, dry cleaning, gym, etc.)
-
Family problem resolution assistance
-
Family benefits/domestic partner benefits
-
Access to company resources/facilities for friends and families
Employee
Growth and Development
Opportunities for
employees to pursue career growth and training, such as:
-
Training pertaining to job enhancement (i.e. workshops, seminars and
library resources)
-
Education leading to career advancement (i.e. tuition reimbursement)
-
Career and management counseling (i.e. executive coaching)
-
Efforts to develop effective supervisors (i.e. responsive to work/family
needs, sensitive to diversity issues, appraise performances)
Health and
Safety
-
Quality health and mental health benefits
-
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
-
Where appropriate, medical surveillance for employees exposed to hazardous
substances or situations
-
Injury prevention programs and training for both managers and the general
work force
-
Opportunities for employee input regarding the work environment (i.e.
light, noise, air quality, temperature, ventilation, cleanliness)
-
Written policies and training to address problems that affect
psychological well-being (i.e. sexual harassment, discrimination,
violence)
-
Psychological safety response to insure emotional and physical health
(i.e. grief counseling, employee assistance programs)
-
Promotion of employees’ health and wellness (i.e. workout facilities,
stress management, easy access to mental health and substance abuse
programs)
Employee Recognition
-
Employee awards
-
Bonuses based on performance
-
Non-monetary bonuses for exceptional performance
-
Ceremonies
-
Merit raises
-
Print and electronic documents detailing employees’ success
-
Verbal acknowledgement
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