What is work psychology and what are its functions?

What is work psychology?

Work psychology, also calledLabor and Organizational Psychology, is abranch of general psychology, which deals withstudying the psychological phenomena that arise because of the employment relationship. It also deals with studyinghuman behavior and the reasons that motivate its behavior, in the performance of its functions within the company. (1)

You should know: This branch of psychology emerges progressively from the twentieth century and as psychologyacquires a humanistic perspective, it assumes new roles in different organizations, both private and public.

In fact, nowadays large companies manage to include in their organizational structure an office in charge of the subject of work psychology, generally supporting the work of theHuman Resources office, which is under the responsibility of a psychologist or psychologists specializedin the area of labor relations.

What are the functions of work psychology?

Psychology has taken on great relevance in the world of work, since its functions have diversified enormouslytag. Here we mention some of them:

1. Analyze and enhance work performance

Psychology has as its main foundation the study of the human mind and from there, objectives are established on how it can be strengthened.

From this perspective, occupational psychology has the methods and techniques to know and develop the potentialities in terms of cognitive performance that workers have and from there, set the strategies that guide towards a greater development of the individual capacities of the employees.

Note: Generally, well-structured organizations have a department that is specifically in charge of this activity, supported by a psychologist .

2. Prevent occupational hazards

The situation of work accidents has been related to an emotional component possibly derived from work stress, personal or family problems or others. (two)

In this sense, large organizations concerned about the safety of workers have in their organizational structure a Safety and Health Service at Work , for the prevention of occupational risks and with the direct support of a psychologist who participates in the stage accident investigation.

also have competence in this regard

3. Promote health in organizations

The health and well-being of the worker not only refers to their physical health , but also includes their mental health.

, in the programs of breaks and breaks during

You should know: Some scientific articles describe the importance of psychology in health, within organizations. (3)

4. Participate in marketing strategies

Marketing strategies are supported by consumer psychology , however it has been established that the backbone of any company is its sales force.

In this context, this sales force inevitably works as a work team and because of this, work psychology participates in the formation and cohesion of this work team according to their individual potentialities , to achieve the purposes of the organization.

What are the branches of occupational psychology?

As previously explained, occupational psychology is a specialty that has diversified within the organizationtag. Below we show you in which areas this discipline participates:

1. Motivation and leadership

The organization, through work psychology, tries to ensure that its employees reach the highest levels of motivation towards the organization’s objectives, forming work teams fully identified with their activities.

This is achieved through a Psychological Research Strategy , where the different motivations and needs that drive workers to do what they do are identified and to recognize those with special leadership skills.

Note: At this point, you also want to get the worker to maintain a high self- esteem .

2. Selection of personnel and training of workers

Occupational psychology plays an important role at the time of the personnel hiring process .

In this sense, with the information provided by the candidate in the resume and the psychological tests applied in the selection stage, the psychologist can deduce in advance if the candidate can meet the expectations of the organization.

Important: The training of workers is another of the branches in which occupational psychology intervenes and through it, the organization knows the individual potential of each worker and how far it can invest in it.

3. Internal communication and work environment

The internal communication system and the organizational climate are two aspects that maintain labor balance and peacetag. Communicationhas its psychological component,as well as the creation of a healthy work environment. Occupational psychology intervenes in these aspects.

To highlight: A deficient internal communication system can cause a progressive deterioration of the organizational climate .

4. Work performance and productivity

The performance and productivity, both individual and collective, of the workers, is another branch where Work psychology is immersed.

These factors carry their emotional component and are closely linked to the worker’s identification with the organizationtag. Therefore, achieving this cohesion is the work of occupational psychology.

You should know: Some meta-analytical research has shown that positive organizational behavior can contribute between 4% and 15% to the variation in job performance. (4)

Key Conclusions

• Occupational psychology deals with studying The Psychological Phenomena that arise due to the employment relationship.
• Occupational psychology is also concerned with Studying Human Behavior and the reasons that motivate their behavior in the company.
• Occupational psychology is evolving as general psychology becomes humanistic.
• This discipline has stood out in the field of work environment and relations between company and workers.