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Top BC Employers Win Awards for Creating Psychologically Healthy Workplaces

Recipients of the 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards were honoured on October 15 at a Gala Reception held at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver. The awards are presented by the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Collaborative, (PHWC; www.phwc.ca) a standing committee of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA).  Applications were submitted from public and private, for profit and not for profit organizations across British Columbia.

The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards were initially developed by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1999. In 2004 BC became the first Canadian province to offer the awards, which are now offered by 52 states and provinces.  The awards, presented every two years, recognize employers who demonstrate outstanding practices in relation to some or all of the following criteria: Employee Involvement, Work-Life Balance, Employee Recognition, Employee Growth and Development, and Health and Safety. Select winners then go on compete for international recognition in Washington, DC.

Research has shown that organizations with psychologically healthy workplaces are particularly effective when it comes to attracting, motivating, and retaining staff, reducing absenteeism, and producing a healthier bottom line. As Barry Forbes, President and CEO of Westminster Savings Credit Union, a winner in 2007 and now a repeat winner 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.”

Winners are selected on the basis of a rigorous application and selection process including a site visit and interviews with employees. The 2009 winners are:

Sponsor Applicant Category (a tie for the award)

• Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR)
• Westminster Savings Credit Union

Small for Profit

• Back in Motion Rehabilitation 

Small not for Profit

• Tourism Whistler

Large for Profit

• EDS Advanced Solutions

Large not for Profit

• Brookhaven Care Centre

For more information about BCPA or the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards, please visit www.psychologists.bc.ca. 

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