Introductory description

There are many factors that contribute to a stressful or healthy workplace. The culture of a workplace dictates the psychological and social experiences of the workforce, and is influenced by leadership style and the distribution of power and resources. When a workplace culture is toxic, characterised by discrimination, harassment and bullying the mental health of the workforce suffers. This module will introduce students to the core components of healthy and toxic organisational cultures, will describe vulnerable populations within the workforce, and will discuss policies that promote mental health and wellbeing. These interdisciplinary sessions will be led by academics across the fields of psychology, medicine and business.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Although the content may vary, the module will cover subjects such as: Organisational culture and leadership; Resources and control; Discrimination, harassment & bullying; Multimorbidity; Returning to work from chronic illness; Non-verbal behaviour; Equality and diversity; Work-life balance; Connection and belonging; Measuring wellbeing and health.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Appraise the factors that contribute to healthy workplace environments.
• Critically discuss policies and practices that aim to support workers experiencing health problems.
• Evaluate strategies to prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace.

Indicative reading list

Chen, P. Y., & Cooper, C. (Eds.). (2014). Work and wellbeing. In C. Cooper (Ed.) Wellbeing: a complete reference guide (Vol. 3). Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell.
Lok, P., & Crawford, J. (2004). The effect of organisational culture and leadership style on job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Journal of management development. 1-30.
Nielsen, M. B., & Einarsen, S. (2012). Outcomes of exposure to workplace bullying: A meta-analytic review. Work & Stress, 26(4), 309-332.

Interdisciplinary

The sessions will be led by academics across the fields of psychology, medicine and business.

Subject specific skills

Appraisal of healthy and toxic workplace environments.
Critically discussion of policies and practices that promote wellbeing among employees.
Examination of effective strategies to prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace.

Transferable skills

Critical evaluation of policies and procedures
Understanding and discussion of effective equality and diversity policies
Written communication and critical thinking