Psychology for Business

Organizational Wellness: Creating a Psychologically

Healthy Workplace

John Weaver, Psy.D.National Wellness Conference

April 21, 2009

ObjectivesObjectives

• CostsCosts of poor psychological of poor psychological functioningfunctioning

• What is aWhat is a psychologically psychologically healthy workplacehealthy workplace??

• Creating an organization that isCreating an organization that is productive and happyproductive and happy

Productivity and Psychological Health

Two thirds of both men and women say that work has a significant impact on their stress level, and one in four has called in sick or

taken a MENTAL HEALTH DAY as a result of work stress. (APA, 2004)

Workers who must take time off because of stress, anxiety, or a related disorder will be off the job for about 21 days (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Depression results in Depression results in more days of more days of disabilitydisability than chronic health conditions than chronic health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes (National Committee for Quality diabetes (National Committee for Quality Assurance, 2004).Assurance, 2004).

80% to 90% of all 80% to 90% of all industrial industrial accidentsaccidents are likely related are likely related to personal problems and to personal problems and employees’ inability to employees’ inability to handle stresshandle stress

Companies with higher revenue growth are better at motivating employees and provide more opportunities for growth and development.

Employee engagement levels in these high- performing organizations are more than 20% higher than those of their counterparts (Hewett Associates, 2004).

What is a What is a Psychologically Psychologically

HealthyHealthy Workplace?Workplace?

EngagedEngaged

Growing & Growing & DevelopingDeveloping

BalancedBalanced

Healthy & SafeHealthy & Safe

RecognizedRecognized

How Do Employees How Do Employees Benefit?Benefit?

• Physical Physical

HealthHealth

• Mental HealthMental Health

• Job Job

SatisfactionSatisfaction

• Employee Employee

MoraleMorale

Lowered Lowered

StressStress

MotivationMotivation

CommitmentCommitment

ClimateClimate

How Does the Organization Benefit?

PerformanceProductivityCost SavingsHiring SelectivityProduct/Service QualityCustomer Service & Satisfaction

Reduces AbsenteeismReduces TurnoverLowers Accident/Injury Rates

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

-Chinese Proverb

Creating an organization Creating an organization that is productive and that is productive and

happyhappy

Creating an organization Creating an organization that is productive and that is productive and

happyhappy

The Gold standard for fostering productive employees

Transformation of stress and depression into workplace assets

Leadership & Creativity benefits

No “one-size-fits-all” approachNo “one-size-fits-all” approach

Ordinary not extraordinary efforts

Programs engage Programs engage

employeesemployees

Little capital outlay

Significant return on investment

Apply online: http://www.phwa.org/app

Complete Organizational Practices Questionnaire and Employee Questionnaire

Schedule a site visit

Receive feedback on your organizational strengths and opportunities for growth

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AssociationAssociation

Connect to the Psychologically Connect to the Psychologically Health Workplace Program Health Workplace Program through:through:

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John Weaver, Psy.D.Business Psychologist(262) 544-6486 [Office](414) 491-8719 [Mobile]jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.comJohn Weaver, Psy.D.Psychology for Business2717 N. Grandview Blvd, #303Waukesha, WI 53188

Available at the conference bookstore or at www.outskirtspress.com/preventingdepression