The APA Psychology in the Workplace Network (PWN) is a grassroots network of psychologists comprised of more than 50 representatives from state, provincial and territorial psychological associations and some APA divisions. Alan Graham, PhD is our Illinois representative to the PWN and leads the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program committee within the Consulting Section of IPA.

The APA PWN works to strategically position psychology in a leadership role within the marketplace by developing strong collaborative relationships with the business and employer community and educating them about the roles and value of psychology in the workplace. One of the ways that the PWN representatives fulfill this mission is to lead the local Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program (PHWP) award programs in their respective jurisdictions and contribute to APA’s PHWP efforts.

The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards (PHWA)
The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards (PHWA) are designed to recognize organizations for their efforts to foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance and productivity.

The annual awards cycle in Illinois begins in late January when nominations are opened for companies in Illinois. If a company would like to apply for the award, they can register at www.phwa.org and get their application started. The application process includes the completion of an organizational practices questionnaire; an employee questionnaire that must be completed by at least 10% of the workforce; and a site visit.

What Makes a Psychologically Healthy Workplace?
Psychologically healthy workplace practices can be grouped into five categories:

• Employee involvement
• Work-life balance
• Employee growth & development
• Health & safety
• Employee recognition

It is important to note that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to creating a psychologically healthy workplace. Success is based, in part, on addressing the challenges unique to each particular organization and tailoring programs and policies to meet the organization’s needs.

Communication also plays a key role in the success of any workplace program or policy and serves as the foundation for all five types of psychologically healthy workplace practices.

APA has created a database of articles; podcasts; newsletters; and social media outlets that are available on the www.phwa.org website. APA also sponsors Work and Well-Being Conferences around the country. The 2011 and 2012 conferences were held in Chicago and APA expects to hold another conference in Chicago in 2013.

If you would like to get involved or just know more about the PWN and/or the PHWP, contact Alan Graham, PhD at agraham@acp10.com.