The Psychologically Healthy Workplace: Building a Win-Win Environment for Organizations and Employees

The “psychologically healthy” workplace has received much public attention in recent years. But how exactly can a psychologically healthy workplace be created and maintained? What steps can organizations take, without sacrificing the bottom line, to build a culture that optimizes long-term value for employees, management, and shareholders alike?

In this book, top scholars focus on the complex interplay between employee and organizational outcomes across five key intervention areas, including:

• Employee involvement—fostering creativity and autonomy of employees, and encouraging involvement in organizational decision-making);
• Work-life balance—providing employees increased flexibility in when, where and how often they work, as well as assistance in navigating life challenges outside of work;
• Employee growth and development—career development and programs to increase competencies;
• Employee recognition—monetary and non-monetary awards in response to significant achievements; and
• Health and safety—promoting healthy behaviors alongside prevention, assessment, and treatment of potential health problems.

Matthew J. Grawitch, PhD, is a professor in Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies where he has held numerous positions, including chair of the Organizational Studies Program, director of the Leadership and Organizational Development master's program, associate dean of academic development, and interim dean.

Dr. Grawitch conducts most of his research in the areas of stress and the healthy workplace and currently serves as the primary research consultant to APA for its Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientists and practitioners as it relates to developing, implementing, and evaluating programs related to workplace health and stress.

David W. Ballard, PsyD, MBA, is assistant executive director for organizational excellence at APA. He provides leadership, direction, evaluation, and management for all activities related to APA's Center for Organizational Excellence, which works to benefit society and improve people's lives through the application of psychology to workplace issues.

The Center houses APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program (PHWP), a public education initiative designed to engage the employer community, raise public awareness about the value psychology brings to the workplace, and promote programs and policies that enhance employee well-being and organizational performance.

Dr. Ballard has provided research, consultation, and training services to government agencies, corporations, medical schools, and universities in the areas of workplace health and productivity, public health, prevention, and health care finance and has experience in management, marketing, and consumer research.