PHWC announces the recipients of the 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

The impact of the unsettled economy has affected all sectors in British Columbia. Enlightened employers know that ensuring that their staff is supported is critical to maintain productivity, morale and sustainability, particularly in difficult times. These efforts serve to preserve employer-employee relationships which can help organizations be more resilient during tough times and to respond readily to opportunities for recovery and growth as they arise.

Those organizations, public or private, large or small, that exemplify such practices are being publicly honoured. The BC Psychologically Healthy Workplace Collaborative (PHWC), a standing committee of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards. The awards address five criteria for a psychologically healthy workplace including: Employee involvement, Work-Life balance, Employee recognition, Employee growth and development, and Health and safety. Research has demonstrated that each of these domains is linked to organizational effectiveness, profitability and expansion. The awards presentation is set for October 15th, 2009, 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue in downtown Vancouver. The awards will be presented by Dr. David Ballard, who spearheads the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program for the American Psychological Association, the founder of the awards. BC was the first province to offer this award in Canada. Today, fifty-two states and provinces participate in the award.

Dr. Ballard will also be presenting a workshop on October 16th, 2009 titled "Creating high-performing organizations in challenging economic times". The workshop will present a model to allow participants to understand the link between healthy workplace practices, employee health and well-being, and organizational performance. Research and practical examples of such organizations will be used to assist participants to create their own action plan.

As Barry Forbes, President and CEO of Westminster Savings Credit Union noted: "We recognize the vital link between the well-being of our employees and the success of our credit union. Westminster Savings' track record of low turnover and strong organizational performance demonstrates the positive benefits of investing in programs that promote a psychologically healthy workplace." Westminster Savings Credit Union was a 2007 winner of the BC Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards and went on to be both a Best Practices Honoree and an overall winner at the 2008 international awards event in Washington, DC.