In October last year, the APS College of Organisational Psychologists recognised seven organisations for outstanding achievements in the practical application of psychology in the workplace. Why are the APS Workplace Excellence Awards such an important initiative?
Every week, the lives of 13 million Australians are impacted by their experiences at work. In a fast-paced society, it is critical that employers balance the need to run successful businesses with genuine care for the needs of their workforce. The APS Workplace Excellence Awards recognise organisations that have taken steps to implement best practice, evidence-based initiatives to advance both the business outcomes and working lives of their employees and stakeholders.
The awards demonstrate that expert thinking and practice from the field of organisational psychology helps organisations navigate the complex interplay of individual, situational and organisational factors in workplaces. This is achieved by implementing sustainable, cost-effective solutions to improve behaviour, health, performance, productivity and job satisfaction.
The award winners
Emerging Directions in Organisational Psychology
Aon’s Assessment Solutions’ team of psychologists and technical experts developed an innovative, transparent solution for video interviewing using artificial intelligence (vidAssess-AI), enabling technology to mimic an unbiased human rater. This solution eliminates countless hours of assessment time during recruitment, while maintaining accuracy and positive candidate experience.
Leadership Development and Coaching
To better equip emerging leaders for today’s complex work environment, the Attorney-General’s Department SA invested in an evidence-based suite of leadership development programs, driving leader identification, retention and development. Participants experienced an increase in confidence and capability for leadership roles, and increased likelihood of career progression.
Organisational Change
Herbert Smith Freehills identified the need to adapt their workforce, driving responsiveness to changes in the competitive legal market. Partnering with Bendelta, they designed a culture change initiative, #FutureFit, shifting the firm from an input-based to a value-based operating model. This initiative helped shift employee attitudes, inspire innovation and create momentum for the firm’s successful transformation.
Organisational Development
Western Health was looking to drive cultural change and foster a positive working environment. Partnering with Steople, they implemented the SCORE Program, an evidence-based series of workshops and activities designed to create and sustain a culture of respect and civility. As a result, they observed an increase in positive behaviours, improved culture, decreases in absenteeism and bullying, and improved teamwork.
Performance and Capability Development
Predicting a shortage of Lead School Psychologists, the Department of Education WA implemented a development program to prepare high potential leaders for progression. The program – which involved coaching, mentoring, work-shadowing, workshops and online sessions – was designed to ensure access across the state. More than half the participants are now in leadership roles, and many others ready and applying.
Talent Management
The Department for Education SA, anticipating a shortage in leadership-ready candidates, partnered with OutsideIn Group to implement the Future Leaders Initiative. Designed to ensure the retention of a talent pipeline of ‘role ready’ leaders for Principal and Preschool Director vacancies, the program has resulted in an increase in leader confidence and readiness, exploration of career aspirations and promotions for many participants.
Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Sydney Water embarked on the development of an evidence-based wellbeing strategy, foregoing typical commercial solutions, to effectively support employee mental health. Using comprehensive assessment of psychosocial risks and the expertise of leading academics, they implemented a sustainable program that put wellbeing at the centre of how they do business to reduce risk levels, decrease injury rates and improve the work climate.