Workplace well-being became a central focus early in the pandemic when organizations were suddenly forced to navigate remote work. Workers battled with personal and professional challenges related to high levels of stress and uncertainty. Although the nature of the pandemic has significantly evolved, the need for attention to workplace culture and dynamics has never been greater.
APA’s Work in America Survey, released in July, provides a snapshot of where we currently find ourselves as a nation. In part, the data offer a positive picture—that most (77%) of workers report being satisfied with the support for mental health and well-being that they receive from their employers. This is likely due to leaders’ more intentional efforts over time and to the fact that nearly all (92%) workers say it is important to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being. The data also show our country still has a long way to go to transform toxic workplaces into engines of well-being.
A key feature of this effort involves translating what we know from psychological science to apply it in different work environments. Our field has valuable knowledge across many domains that can elevate the well-being of the workforce and help leaders foster positive changes in workplace culture—both of which are connected to an improved bottom line.
APA is using the expertise of our membership to create science-based resources for businesses, government, health care organizations, and more. We are also building partnerships to elevate psychology’s unique voice and inform others’ work. For example, members of APA’s applied psychology community were heavily involved in shaping the U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-beingopens in new window, enabling us to reach a much broader and more diverse audience.
As a psychologist, a CEO overseeing more than 550 staff, and a leader who works to educate others about healthy workplaces, I am enthusiastic about the progress I have seen. I hope we will view this work not as a hurdle we must get through, but as an ongoing opportunity to strengthen workplaces and improve people’s lives by doing so. n
