Five Organizations Receive APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards
While the impact of the economy can be felt across all industries, workplaces that continue to invest in employees during tough economic times reap rewards for employer and employees alike, reported the American Psychological Association (APA) at its Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards ceremony on March 1. Five organizations were recognized by the APA for their comprehensive efforts to promote employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance.
Companies presented with the American Psychological Association's 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award were W R Systems, Ltd. -- Engineering Services Division (Virginia), Replacements, Ltd. (North Carolina), Teledyne Brown Engineering -- Huntsville Headquarters (Alabama), WorldatWork (Arizona) and Sandia Preparatory School (New Mexico).
These five organizations reported an average turnover rate of just 11 percent in 2008 -- less than the national average of 39 percent as estimated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Surveys completed by the winning organizations show that only 25 percent of employees reported experiencing chronic work stress compared to 39 percent nationally, and 85 percent of employees reported being satisfied with their jobs, compared to only 61 percent nationally. Additionally, 87 percent of employees said they would recommend their organizations to others as a good place to work, compared to 44 percent nationally and only 5 percent said they intend to seek employment elsewhere within the next year, compared to 32 percent nationally.
"While there is no denying that the current economic downturn may necessitate some belt-tightening, employers should be careful not to secure this quarter's financial returns at the expense of employee well-being or the organization's long-term success," said David Ballard, PsyD, MBA, APA's assistant executive director for corporate relations and business strategy.
"The five award winners have implemented a comprehensive set of programs and policies designed to optimize outcomes for both employee and employer," Ballard added. "Their efforts demonstrate that any type of organization, large or small, has the power and the responsibility to create a psychologically healthy workplace."
Winners also report positive outcomes from their workplace practices for employers and employees alike. Teledyne Brown Engineering's wellness program has led to a 34 percent reduction in absenteeism and employees who participate in the program use a third fewer sick days than those who do not. WorldatWork's healthy, supportive and flexible work environment has helped employees decrease body mass, cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose. Replacements, Ltd. reports an average tenure of longer than eight years and on employee surveys, 93 percent said they feel their jobs are important to the company and 91 percent report that they care about the organization. At Sandia Preparatory School, low rates of absenteeism result in direct cost savings, as substitute teachers are not needed as often and few employees use all of their available sick time. At W R Systems, the company's psychologically healthy workplace programs contribute to a low accident and injury rate and strong employee retention.
Psychologically healthy workplace practices fall into five categories: employee involvement; health and safety; employee growth and development; work-life balance; and employee recognition. Employee participation in decision making, skills training and leadership development, flexible work arrangements, and programs promoting healthy lifestyle and behavior choices are just a few of the programs and policies that contribute to a psychologically healthy workplace.