Organisational psychology celebrated at the inaugural Workplace Excellence Awards

The transformational contribution of psychology to business in Australia was on show at the inaugural Workplace Excellence Awards 2015, celebrated in Melbourne as part of the 11th Industrial and Organisational Psychology Conference.

The awards, an initiative of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists, celebrate exceptional achievement and innovation in the application of psychological principles in the workplace. They attracted diverse entrants ranging from consultancies, not-for-profits, government departments and large corporations including Telstra, ANZ, Medibank, Allianz and the Bank of Queensland.

Winners and finalists in eight categories ranging from Workplace Health and Wellbeing, to Assessment and Organisational Change, were celebrated at the gala dinner and awards night on July 3 at the Pullman Melbourne Hotel. The winners were also announced in the Monday 6 July edition of the Australian Financial Review.

Outgoing Chair of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists Peter Zarris MAPS said that the awards organisers were overwhelmed with interest from organisations reflecting the full diversity of Australian business and industry. Peter said, “We firmly believe that psychological expertise can help groups and organisations to resolve some of their most intractable issues and transform the wellbeing and performance of staff, leadership teams and the productivity of their organisations. The winners of these awards certainly show how evidence-based interventions can enhance an organisation’s performance by saving money, improving engagement and boosting efficiency.”

Entrants were judged on criteria that aimed to show how organisations have applied psychological principles to address an issue, transforming outcomes and contributing value to the organisation.

Among the successful entrants were Stanwell Corporation, Queensland’s largest electricity generator, which established a pioneering young worker safety program, and Medibank, which runs a detailed leadership program.

The awards were established as part of the APS commitment to increasing awareness of psychology, and the contribution that it makes to improving community performance and wellbeing in Australia. After the successful launch of the awards, the College plans to hold the awards annually. More information on the awards and details about the winners and finalists are available on the awards website at www.workplaceexcellenceawards.com.au.