APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE AWARD   Program Rewards Employers for Creating Workplaces that Foster Psychological Well-Being among Employees   In order to reward businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the psychological health and well-being of their employees, the Wisconsin Psychological Association is now accepting applications for the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award.   “Employers are beginning to recognize the benefits of a workplace that is sensitive to their employees’ mental well-being,” says former association president Rodney Miller, PhD.  “We applaud them for their efforts, but there are many more companies out there who have yet to make the same commitment.  We hope the organizations we honor with this award can serve as progressive models for other employers.”   The benefits of a psychologically healthy workplace can include increased productivity and employee retention rates, recruiting advantages, company image enhancement, a better workplace atmosphere, as well as workers who are less stressed and more satisfied with their jobs.   Failure to provide a psychologically healthy workplace can impact the bottom line.  A 2000 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that one in four employees has taken a “mental health” sick day. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress.   Employers can demonstrate their dedication to the psychological health and well-being of their employees in a number of ways, such as implementing more family-friendly policies, allowing employees to participate in decisions that will affect their jobs or offering programs on how to cope with and reduce work stress.   Each applicant will be judged on criteria including: The level of employee involvement in regard to decision-making, feedback, tasks, problem-solving and the work environment 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 growth and development opportunities and efforts develop supportive supervisors who are responsive to work/family needs, diversity and performance appraisals Provision of a work environment that is physically safe and promotion of employees’ physical health and wellness To receive an application for the award program, supported by the American Psychological Association, employers can call 608-251-1450 or go to http://www.apa.org.   Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Wisconsin Psychological Association Annual Convention.