Women in Construction Company (WiCC) is a full-service construction business that offers opportunities to unskilled, low-income individuals with little or no previous experience in construction. Many WiCC employees faced homelessness, domestic violence, poverty and racism, but this small non-profit creates a supportive work environment where employees can build new skills and become self-sufficient while working on projects that benefit low-income families. Read more
Orion Associates was founded on the core principle of “service to others” and the organization has a history of encouraging employees to volunteer in the community. While catering to clients’ needs and providing employees with a rewarding and fulfilling work experience, this small management services organization is a thriving example of how business can catalyze change within the community and have an even larger impact on the world. Read more
As the largest, most comprehensive literary arts center in the country, The Loft Literary Center provides cutting-edge resources for writers and readers at all levels. This non-profit organization has offered its members evening and weekend programming for more than 30 years and with more than 100 after-hour events on the calendar every month, the demands on staff can be high. The Loft’s culture of trust, respect and flexibility enables employees to design their own schedules, so they can fulfill the organization’s mission without burning out. Read more
Is your organization the type of place where people want to come to work? Are employees treated respectfully? Does your employer go the extra mile to create a positive work environment? Do workers feel that management is responsive to their work and personal needs?
If one or more of the above is true, we encourage you to apply for the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award (PHWA) sponsored by the Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) and American Psychological Association (APA).
Why apply? Winners of the PHWA benefit from increased positive visibility in many ways:
Publicity — some winners have appeared in the local media and The Wall Street Journal, and have been recognized by state government Winners might also have opportunities for speaking engagements and interviews, including televised interviews.
Winners can highlight their success in their promotional literature. Organizations can benefit by spotlighting this honor in internal and external communication vehicles.
Winners are invited to attend the award presentation ceremony at MPA's Annual Convention.
Awards Criteria What are the criteria? Awards are made to organizations who show exceptional commitment and/or innovative programs in the following areas:
Employee Involvement
Work-Life Balance
Employee Growth and Development
Health and Safety
Employee Recognition
A complete description of each of the criteria can be found at the PHWA Web site: www.phwa.org. We are most interested in hearing about programs, policies and procedures that are above-and-beyond the "standard fare," i.e., that are in some way exceptional and/or cutting-edge
Application Process Any organization can apply. We offer up to three awards per year in these categories: less than 1,000 employees, more than 1,000 employees, nonprofits of any size. Application deadline is Feb.15, 2010.
What does applying involve? Organizations complete a simple, primarily open-ended application.
Finalists will be asked to participate in an employee survey and site visit. These involve meeting with representatives of management and employees for a few hours each.
Visit the PHWA Web site to start the application process: www.phwa.org.
Know a great company that you think should apply? You can nominate outstanding employers and we will contact the organization and invite them to apply. Click here to nominate a psychologically healthy employer.
The award is presented to winning organizations at the spring MPA Annual Meeting and Convention. We can also present the award at your annual board meeting, employee gathering, or other key function.
If you have questions, contact our PHWA Committee Chairman Dr. Jack O'Regan by phone at 651-686-7011 or e-mail at joregan@argosy.edu.
2009 PHW Award Committee Members
Jack O’Regan, Ph.D., ABPP, MBA, LP, Chair, PHWA Committee;
Anna Erickson, Ph.D.; Steven P. Gilbert, Ph.D., ABPP, LP; Lisa Perez, Ph.D.; Kay Slama, Ph.D., LP; Jay McNamara, Ph.D., LP; Alexandra Luong, Ph.D.,
LP.; and Mark Rosenblum, Psy.D., LP
Further information on the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award program, including the national awards coordinated by the American Psychological Association (APA), can be found on the APA Web site:
The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards (including a video on the PHWA program) www.phwa.org
Employees: A company's best asset, March 2006 article from the APA Monitor on Psychology
