NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release                                                           Contact:    Katie Crabtree Thomas

                                                                                                                 (614) 224-0034 or (800) 783-1983

                                                                                                                  kcrabtree@ohpsych.org

 

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR STATEWIDE

PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE AWARD

 

Do you know or work for an organization that has great policies in place regarding employee growth, recognition, work life balance and health and safety? They could be the Ohio Psychological Association’s (OPA) next Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award winner!

 

OPA is now accepting applications for its eighth annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards. This award recognizes businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the psychological health and well-being of its employees.

 

"There are many benefits to having a psychologically healthy workplace including financial savings, greater job satisfaction and recruiting advantages for companies," said Robin Graff-Reed, Ph.D., chair, OPA Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee. "We are proud to honor those workplaces that make its employees’ lives less stressful and hope other organizations take note.”

 

Twenty Ohio organizations have been honored as past recipients.

 

Awards will be given to up to six companies, one each in the categories of large, medium and small for-profit companies, and large, medium and small not-for-profit companies. Companies statewide are encouraged to apply. Each applicant will be judged on criteria including:

 

·         Work-Life Balance: Family support options, including opportunities for child care and elder care assistance, flexible work arrangements, options for leave beyond the Family and Medical Leave Act and family problem resolution

 

·         Employee Recognition: Organization awards employees for hard work through bonuses, awards or verbal acknowledgement

 

·         Employee Involvement: Level of employee involvement in regard to decision-making, feedback, tasks, problem solving and the work environment

 

·         Employee Growth and Development: Employee growth and development opportunities, such as tuition reimbursement or in house training, and efforts develop supportive supervisors who are responsive to work/family needs, diversity and performance appraisals

 

·         Health and Safety: Provision of a work environment that is physically safe, and promotion of employees’ physical health and wellness

 

Employers may go to www.ohpsych.org/workplace.aspx to apply for the award, call (800) 783-1983 or e-mail kcrabtree@ohpsych.org for more information. Deadline for entries is Sept.1, 2010. Winners will be honored at a special awards luncheon on Nov. 10, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza North, Columbus.

 

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