Workplace Psychology: Why Is It Important?

On World Mental Health Day (10/10) this year, WHO highlighted the importance of psychology in the workplace, calling on organizations, businesses, and governments to pay attention to employees’ mental health. A safe and healthy working environment is a place for people to get their work done and a space to nurture creativity, personal development, and team spirit.

Studies have shown that positive working conditions, free from stigma and discrimination, can create a solid foundation for mental health. When employees feel supported and safe, they are more likely to work effectively and contribute more to the organization. On the contrary, if they face risks such as harassment or excessive pressure, their mental health will be affected, leading to a decrease in quality of life and work performance.

In this article, we explore why workplace psychology is important and how organizations can take proactive steps to support the mental health of their employees. Together, we will learn that investing in mental health is a social responsibility and a key to unlocking the door to sustainable growth and long-term success for your organization.

What Is Workplace Psychology?

Workplace psychology, also known as industrial-organizational psychology (I-O Psychology), is an essential field that helps managers and leaders optimize work performance and improve the work environment. Industrial-organizational psychology is divided into two main branches: industrial psychology and organizational psychology.

Industrial Psychology

The industrial side of psychology focuses on determining the best way to match employees with appropriate jobs. Professionals in this field will assess the characteristics and abilities of employees and determine the positions where they can maximize their potential. Beyond recruitment, industrial psychology also includes activities such as training employees, setting performance standards, and measuring work results. When employees are placed in the right positions, both they and the organization benefit from higher performance and job satisfaction.

Organizational Psychology

On the other hand, the organizational side of psychology focuses on understanding how organizational structures, social norms, management styles, and role expectations influence employee behavior. Industrial-organizational psychologists use this knowledge to not only improve employee performance but also improve employee mental health and satisfaction. An organization that knows how to create a positive work environment will not only attract talent but also retain them for the long term, creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

The Role Of Positive Psychology In The Workplace

Positive psychology is increasingly asserting its important role in the modern working environment. Not only creating a comfortable working space, positive psychology also helps build a sustainable and strong corporate culture. So, what is the role of positive psychology in the workplace?

Increasing Employee Satisfaction And Engagement

One of the main goals of positive psychology is to improve employee satisfaction and engagement. When employees feel happy and are recognized, they will be more motivated to do their jobs. Focusing on mental health not only increases productivity but also helps retain talented people and grow your business and organization.

Building A Positive Culture

Positive psychology promotes a healthy work environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged. When employees are supported and encouraged, they are more likely to share new ideas to improve their work quality or make work processes more efficient, thereby promoting the growth of the organization.

Improving Communication And Collaboration

Positive psychology improves communication and collaboration among team members. Communication is an essential skill for resolving inevitable conflicts at work and increasing consensus on decisions and work processes. Open, clear, and honest communication leads to better decisions and effective collaboration, which helps organizations run more smoothly.

Positive Leadership Development

Positive leadership is an important factor in organizations. Positive psychology helps leaders develop a leadership style that focuses on empowering and motivating employees, improving their ability to adapt to changes.

Improving Mental Health

Ultimately, positive psychology reduces employee stress and burnout. A safe and healthy work environment helps employees thrive, contributing to the success of the organization.

Some Positive Psychology Models At Work

In today’s world, where human resources are the determining factor for organizational success, the application of positive psychology models is becoming increasingly necessary. These models not only help improve the mental health of employees but also promote work performance and create a positive work environment. Below are three typical positive psychology models that managers and leaders can apply in their organizations.

Psychological Capital – PSYCAP

This model suggests that each person has “psychological capital” (PSYCAP) that they can build upon through interventions, learnings, and training. Psychological capital consists of four main components: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism. When leaders focus on developing their employees’ psychological capital, they not only improve work relationships but also improve work performance. Research shows that employees with high PSYCAP are better able to cope with stress and overcome difficulties more effectively. This creates a strong workforce that is willing to overcome challenges and dedicate themselves to the organization.

Strengths-Based Leadership

Strengths-based leadership focuses on identifying and developing the strengths of individuals and teams. By adopting this approach, leaders focus on the positive aspects of their staff rather than just addressing weaknesses. Creating a strengths-based culture not only increases employee engagement but also improves job satisfaction. When employees feel recognized and valued for their abilities, they are more motivated, which in turn increases productivity, work quality, and creativity.

PERMA Model

The PERMA model describes the five essential elements of well-being: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Applying the PERMA model in the workplace helps create a positive and supportive space for employee development. Managers can facilitate employees to experience positive emotions, engage in meaningful activities, and build good relationships with colleagues. In this way, the organization not only promotes employee happiness and engagement but also improves productivity.

Some Applications Of Positive Psychology In The Workplace

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, regulate, understand, and express your emotions and recognize those of others. In the workplace, EI plays a vital role in creating a positive and productive work environment. Here are some ways that leaders can apply EI to improve the work environment:

• Encourage self-awareness: Managers should facilitate employees to better understand their own emotions and how they influence their behavior and decisions. Encouraging mindfulness practices and journaling or “self-reporting” of employee growth can help employees increase their self-awareness and become more confident.

• Lead by example: Leaders are not just leaders but also guides. When leaders demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage their emotions, employees are motivated and encouraged to follow suit. They will learn how to handle situations and conflicts more effectively, as well as gain more respect and admiration for their leader.

• Create space for self-reflection: Encourage employees to take time to think about their emotions and how they impact their thoughts and behaviors through meetings or individual counseling. This will help them gain more self-awareness and improve their ability to regulate their emotions.

• Support emotional regulation: Assist employees in developing strategies for managing emotions, such as deep breathing techniques or taking a break to help them better manage their emotions, especially during stressful times.

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Positive Relationships

Positive relationships in the workplace not only increase engagement but also create a friendly work environment where people feel respected and supported. Here are some ways to develop positive relationships in the workplace:

• Manage conflict proactively: Leaders should be proactive in mediating disputes within their teams. This helps minimize negative interactions and build a culture of open communication that fosters trust and positive relationships among employees.

• Encourage face-to-face communication: Holding face-to-face meetings to facilitate a better understanding of nonverbal cues and tone among employees, thereby increasing connection and minimizing misunderstandings.

• Create opportunities for interaction: Plan group activities, such as collaborative events or team-building, so that employees can interact and discover commonalities, thereby strengthening work relationships.

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• Connect remote employees: Use video conferencing technology to connect remote employees with colleagues. This will create a cohesive work environment and help employees feel like they are part of a team.

Applying positive psychology in the workplace benefits employees and helps the organization develop sustainably. Managers and leaders should see this as an opportunity to innovate management methods, aiming to build a strong working culture, where each individual can develop and shine, contributing to the overall development.

Depending on the needs of each business, the Vietnam – France Psychology Institute designs business psychological care service packages with appropriate scales, subjects, implementation stages, and implementation topics. Contact us to discuss your business’s need for psychological support services right HERE.

References:

[1]  “Mental Health at Work”. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024

[2] The Basics of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-industrial-organizational-psychology-2795302

[3] Positive Psychology in the Workplace: 16 Practical Tips. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-psychology-workplace-labor-of-love/#work

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