On the contrary, industries and workplaces that continue to invest in the health and safety of their employees during tough economic times reap rewards for employer and employees alike, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

The APA says, organizations that enact comprehensive health and well-being programs report an average turnover rate of just 11 percent in 2008, significantly less than the national average of 39 percent estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Surveys completed by these organizations show that only 25 percent of employees reported experiencing chronic work stress compared to 39 percent nationally, and 85 percent of employees reported being satisfied with their jobs, compared to only 61 percent nationally.

Though expectations should remain high, there’s no doubt that satisfied, stress-free workers are productive workers.

The APA has recognized the five organizations with its 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award: W R Systems, Ltd., of Virginia; Replacements, Ltd., in North Carolina; Teledyne Brown Engineering’s Huntsville Headquarters, in Alabama; WorldatWork, Arizona; and the Sandia Preparatory School in New Mexico.

Additionally, the APA survey found that 87 percent of employees said they would recommend their organizations to others as a good place to work, compared to 44 percent nationally, and only 5 percent said they intend to seek employment elsewhere within the next year, compared to 32 percent nationally.

The difficult labor market may be reflected in these numbers, but these employers indicate that their programs lead to reduced absenteeism and less use of sick time. For example, Teledyne Brown Engineering’s wellness program has led to a 34 percent reduction in absenteeism, and employees who participate in the program use a third fewer sick days than those who do not.

At Sandia Preparatory School, low rates of absenteeism result in direct cost savings, as substitute teachers are not needed as often and few employees use all of their available sick time. At W R Systems, the company’s psychologically healthy workplace programs contribute to a low accident and injury rate and strong employee retention.

“While there is no denying that the current economic downturn may necessitate some belt-tightening, employers should be careful not to secure financial returns at the expense of employee well-being or the organization’s long-term success,” says David Ballard, PsyD, MBA, APA’s assistant executive director for corporate relations and business strategy.

“The award winners have implemented a comprehensive set of programs and policies designed to optimize outcomes for both employee and employer,” said Dr. Ballard. “Their efforts demonstrate that any type of organization, large or small, has the power and the responsibility to create a psychologically healthy workplace.”

Is your workplace psychologically healthy? I hope so.

Thanks and good luck.