Psychology at Work Department of People and Performance Assignment

Assignment Task

Assignment Details and Instructions.

For this assignment you must choose TWO of the given options and write an evidence-informed, business-report style essay which addresses the issues outlined. This is an individual assignment, and the topics will be introduced throughout the unit. There will be opportunities for formative support during tutorials. This assignment simulates typical challenges facing Business Psychologists, providing an opportunity for students to engage with contemporary literature and critical thinking.

Option 1

Wellbeing at Work

You have recently joined the wellbeing team in a large company that makes widgets. They are currently working hard to complete a substantial order. There is a potential for further large orders if the current one is delivered on time and within budget. Staff have worked extra hours during the evenings and weekends during high production times. However, despite the overtime productivity is not going up, and more errors are being made during the production process.

There has been an increase in sickness absence, and more people report feeling stressed. A number of staff have left the organisation recently and exit interviews suggest that work life balance is a problem - staff feel they have been flexible for the company, but do not feel the company has been flexible in return. In addition, there have been reports of increased conflict and arguments amongst staff which have resulted in a rising number of formal and informal complaints and grievances. You believe workplace stress is underlying these issues.

The chief executive has tasked you with assessing the current situation and to suggest some changes/interventions that can be made to reduce staff absence and stress

Drawing on the relevant theories and best practice models we discussed in the lectures, provide a report which includes an action plan to assess whether work-related stress is a cause for concern, and to address the main issues identified.

Comment:

Topics that will be relevant include stress management and workplace wellbeing 

Option 2

Psychological perspectives on change and transition

As a result of rising costs, a third sector organisation is planning to radically reduce their town centre office and for the majority of staff to be based at home. Initial discussions with staff have indicated that not everyone wants to move to homeworking, and there is concern amongst all staff about how the move will affect them. The staff are aware that that the organisation may also need to reduce employee numbers to help to reduce their running costs and people are worried about losing their jobs.

The organisation is committed to treating the staff fairly. You are a work psychologist who has been hired to help to implement a programme of change and help employees through this transition.

Make an evidence-based recommendation of how psychological models and theories of change could inform a successful transition.

Option 3

Positive Psychology/Psychological Resources

A leading organisation has recently completed assessments of the psychological health of its employees as a part of a staff survey. However, the results are particularly low for areas including positive emotion and happiness. The organisation is accordingly concerned about the psychological health of its staff and their performance at work.

As a member of a consultancy team, you have been asked to introduce an evidence-based intervention to improve the positive emotions and happiness, and in turn performance, of the employees.

Drawing on the relevant theories and evidence we discussed in the lectures, provide an evidence-based report including an action plan that introduces an effective intervention. Include a critical evaluation of your chosen intervention in the report

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