Applications Now Being Accepted for Statewide Healthy Workplace Award

(PRLEAP.COM) The Ohio Psychological Association is accepting applications for its second Annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards. The award program recognizes businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the psychological health and well-being of their employees.

"Job stress is estimated to cost U.S. industry $300 billion annually, so there are many benefits to having a psychologically healthy workplace including financial savings, greater job satisfaction and recruiting advantages for companies," said Richard Rynearson, PhD, chair, OPA Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee. "Last year, we recognized five companies for their commitment to a psychologically healthy workplace, and hope that more companies have made this same commitment.”

The Ohio Society of CPAs (Dublin), Dayton Marriott, Jewish Family Services (Columbus), Koinonia Homes (Cuyahoga Heights) and Humility of Mary Health Partners (Youngstown) were recipients of last year’s award.

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

Statewide winners are then eligible to receive a national Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from the American Psychological Association (APA). Three Ohio winners, Koinonia Homes, Coleman Professional Services (Kent) and Bank One (Columbus), have received national awards.

Employers may call (800) 783-1983 or e-mail kcrabtree@ohpsych.org to request an application for the award program, or may apply online at www.ohpsych.org/Public/phwa.htm. Deadline for entries is August 15, 2007. Winners will be honored at a special awards luncheon on Oct. 24, 2007 at Quest Business Centers, Columbus.

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