NS7125: Wellbeing in the workplace

The issue of wellbeing in the workplace has received a growing amount of attention over recent years through topics such as “toxic” work environments, the impact of changing technologies on human productivity, and interventions to reduce work-related stress. The module reviews traditional and non-traditional forms of work and the employment lifecycle, identifying the implications of these patterns for employee wellbeing.  We examine behaviours such as bullying, harassment and conflict, and the tools available to the occupational psychologist to help address them.  Interventions to prevent and manage work-related stress are explored, with a focus on approaches for building resilience and alternative methods of achieving wellbeing such as mindfulness.  In considering “Human Factors” and ergonomics, the module draws on staff research to consider the potential of technologies including EEG and Virtual Reality to help improve situational awareness and prevent error in uncertain environments.

Using the practical and theoretical knowledge built up from staff who have worked in this field. Topics covered include:

1. Work and wellbeing

• traditional and non-traditional work
• new patterns of work and their implications for employee wellbeing
• Issues in mental health and physical health in the workplace
•  

1. Stress and health in the workplace

• toxic work environments
• bullying and harassment
• stress and stress management
• interventions to build resilience, eg the use of mindfulness in the workplace
•  

1. Ergonomics

• human machine and human computer interaction
• situational awareness
• human based errors
• artificial intelligence, virtual reality and knowledge based systems

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of traditional and new patterns of work based on current research;
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of health and wellbeing in the workplace;
3. Make informed and justifiable decisions on the choice of intervention methods dealing with a human factors or health issue at work;
4. Appreciate the impact of factors compromising health and well-being at work and apply concepts to specific areas of current concern;
5. Assess positive and preventative interventions for reducing stress and building resilience.