Occupational and work psychology is a study that deals with the performance of people at work. It deals with how a particular organisation functions and how a small group of people behave when they work
(bps.org2007[online]). Occupational and work psychology deals with various aspects of work in an organisation like time management,
personal management, ergonomics etc. Occupational and work psychology is a new field of psychology but has gained popularity.
The reason behind its immense popularity is the fact that it has helped the organisations
in making more profits by increasing the efficiency of its workers and also benefited the workers by creating better working
conditions.
AIM OF OCCUPATIONAL
AND WORK PSYCHOLOGY
Occupational and work psychology aims at making the organisations more effective. It works towards making the
individuals more efficient. Occupational and work psychology is very effective in creating job satisfaction among the
individuals at work. This in turn increases the interest of individuals in work and increases the quality of his work in an
organisation (Millward 2000).
IMPORTANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL
AND WORK PSYCHOLOGY
Occupational and work psychology is very important as it aims at improving the efficiency of the work force of
an organisation. It prevents occupational stress, illness and injuries that occur during the work in industries and other
organisations. Occupational and work psychology studies the requirements and mental state of the workers and is very
helpful in creating environment that promotes well being of the workers. It assists the organisation in creating better working
environment for its workers (Barling 1998). Occupational and work psychology also assists in reducing the exposure
of the workers to health hasards and thereby protects the workers from any kind of work place health hasards. Various organisations
all over the world are giving great importance to Occupational and work psychology
as companies pay the cost of absence of their workers due to sickness, stress, anxiety etc. Hence, they hire Occupational and work psychology consultants that work towards the betterment of their workers.
CAREER IN OCCUPATIONAL AND WORK PSYCHOLOGY
Occupational and work psychology consultants have a great career option both in private as well as public sector.
To become an Occupational and work psychology consultant, it is desirable that one should complete an under graduate
degree that makes one eligible for the graduate Basis for Registration. There are large numbers of universities that offer
Occupational and work psychology courses. After this, one is supposed to take up master’s degree in occupational
and work psychology. After completing the academic requirements to become occupational and work psychology consultant,
one should practice under Chartered Occupational Psychologist for a period of two years before one can practice independently
as occupational and work psychology consultant.
Occupational and work psychology consultants are in great demand these days. Most of the organisations pay quite
reasonable to occupational and work psychology consultants. The average salaries of occupational and work psychology
consultants are approx 30,000 pounds. Organisations hire occupational and work psychology consultants on contract basis
as well as permanently.
References
Millward, Lynne J. Understanding Occupational & Organisational Psychology.
Barling, Julian. The Psychology of Workplace Safety.
URL http://www.bps.org.uk .Last accessed on 13 November 2007.
