Five organizations won 2012 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

Learn about successful companies that empower their employees, enhance job satisfaction despite budget constraints, and offer free, on-site consultations — on company time — with a psychologist.

May 2012, Vol 43, No. 5

  • Certified Angus Beef. This Ohio company works to empower every person on its team, a commitment based on the company's belief that putting employees first will result in employees putting the company first.

  • Coconino County. Despite budget constraints, this Arizona county partners with employees to enhance job satisfaction, productivity, motivation and morale.

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. This organization emphasizes staff participation, consensus and collaboration—a commitment exemplified by an annual engagement survey that gives employees a chance to share their feedback.

  • Noble-Davis Consulting. This Ohio firm lets employees choose how and where they work. It has also written fun into its mission, with yoga classes, weight loss challenges and the like.

  • ReMed Recovery Care Centers. The organizational culture at this Pennsylvania company encourages a high level of engagement in the workplace plus a commitment to professional development.

Nine organizations were 2012 Best Practices Honorees:

  • Certified Angus Beef. The Ohio company offers free, on-site consultations—on company time—with a psychologist.

  • Chimes Delaware, Newark Vocational Facility. To recognize front-line staff, the organization uses Gotcha Awards to celebrate exceptional performance and random acts of kindness.

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. A steering committee is working with organization leaders and employees to develop and implement a healthy workplace program.

  • Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus. Although law firms are notorious for demanding long hours, this Arkansas firm eliminated billable hour requirements to boost morale and reduce burnout.

  • Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research Northwest. Each year this organization selects six high-performing employees to participate in an employee development retreat and work on a special project as a way to build strong, mid-level leaders.

  • Koinonia Homes. While this Ohio organization has employee recognition initiatives year-round, it steps it up during Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. The celebrations give employees, who provide residential and vocational services to individuals with developmental disabilities, a chance to have fun and receive recognition for the hard work they do year round.

  • Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, LSS Financial Counseling Service. With multiple offices across the state, this organization regularly brings employees together in face-to-face meetings so they can build relationships and acquire new skills.

  • Orion Associates. This Minnesota organization encourages employees to volunteer through its Headwater Relief Organization as a way to learn hands-on leadership skills they can take back to the office.

  • ReMed Recovery Care Centers. This Pennsylvania organization's training and development strategy encourages employees to learn while they earn.

Learn more about APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program and the 2012 winners.

—R.A. Clay