The Behaviour Effect

Occupational Psychologists are concerned with human behaviour in the workplace.

They have an understanding of how organisations function and how individuals and groups behave at work and their role concentrates on increasing effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction at work.

The majority of occupational psychologists work as general problem-solvers or facilitators across broad areas – such as organisational consultancy; or assessment and training; or ergonomics, health and safety.

Organisational Change and Development

Organisational change and development is a process designed to improve the general effectiveness of an organisation or to improve its ability to cope during periods of change.

Occupational Psychologists could for example, be involved in advising how to create effective work groups, systems and structures within the organisation or in developing and delivering core development programmes.

They concentrate on helping people develop the skills of leadership, teamwork, negotiation, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and effective communication.

Recruitment and Selection

They can develop effective advertising methods, and use psychological tests to provide evaluations of candidates. They will also monitor and validate selection procedures, and design short listing and assessment methods which can identify candidates with the potential required for particular jobs. They have particular skill in Psychometric test and assessment centre design.

Training

They can identify training needs, and develop and evaluate training programmes (particularly in how to get the best out of ourselves and others).  Topics may consist of soft-skills (such as leadership or assertiveness), process and structure or bespoke system training.

Performance Management

They can identify key aspects of effective job performance, develop systems of appraisal which are fair and helpful to both the employee and employer, and advise on how to implement them successfully. They can advise on how to benefit the most from performance reviews.

Employee attitude surveys

They design and analyse surveys or morale, attitudes and values, to provide sound information on which strategic decisions can be based.

Vocational guidance

An occupational psychologist can provide a person with a deeper understanding of his or her strengths, weaknesses and special interests by skilled use of psychometric tests and interviewing.

Ergonomics, Health and Safety

Ergonomics is the science which explores and investigates the interaction of humans with their work environment and equipment. Occupational psychologists work with engineers and physiologists to analyse jobs, equipment and working environments taking human capabilities into account. This allows them to design machines which can be used more easily and effectively, and which allows employees to give their best performance.

Occupational health and safety ranges from the study of causes of accidents to methods of prevention. Stress management involves identifying the sources of stress, and personal and organisational methods of preventing and managing stress.

Equal Opportunities

Occupational Psychologists help to decide company personnel policy on the employment of women, the disabled, and ethnic minorities. They can design awareness training programmes for managers or training designed to help disadvantaged groups to overcome common obstacles and can ensure that organisations are making the most out of diversity.