In recognition of its workplace practices promoting employee health and well-being, the Arkansas Educational Television Network received the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2008 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 9. One of five employers from across North America to receive APA’s workplace award this year, AETN won in the government/military/educational institution category.

AETN was also recognized by APA as a Best Practices Honoree for its effective use of planning and improvement teams to complete projects. AETN is one of only three national winners in the history of this award program to win both awards.

"AETN has twice been recognized as one of the best places to work in the state by the Arkansas Psychological Association," AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said. "Now, for a national organization to judge AETN, our dedicated and creative staff, and the cooperative working environment we strive to maintain as the best a government agency has to offer — I have never been more pleased with and proud of this network and its employees."

AETN excelled in categories for employee involvement, health and safety, employee growth and development, work-life balance and employee recognition. The organization’s commitment to employee involvement, its opportunities for professional growth and its policies promoting work-life balance are several examples of the workplace practices that earned a 2008 workplace award.

AETN’s psychologically healthy workplace programs have produced positive results for the network and its employees. Family-friendly policies encourage staff to stay with the organization, many spending their entire careers at AETN. The average employee tenure is more than 10 years, and almost half of employees have served between 10 and 35 years.

During 2006, AETN employees: produced more than 500 hours of local programming; broadcast more than 8,700 hours; installed a new digital transmitter in Southeast Arkansas; and maintained statewide infrastructures – accomplishments enhanced by workplace policies that encourage staff to channel their efforts and work together as a team.

According to a 2007 APA survey, one third of Americans report that they find it difficult to balance work and family. AETN’s "Family First" philosophy addresses this by offering flex-time, job sharing, compressed work week and telecommuting options to give employees the flexibility they need to balance their work and personal lives.

In addition, APA commended AETN’s team building and employee involvement programs which encourage its employees to test new ideas, express opinions and participate in furthering the organization’s mission. In terms of health and well-being, employees at AETN are encouraged to reach their exercise, weight and nutritional goals through access to free Web-based support programs. A 24/7 employee assistance program and smoking cessation support are also available, and a newsletter that includes helpful health tips is distributed to all staff.

"The link between employee health and well-being and organizational performance is clear," David Ballard, PsyD, MBA, APA’s assistant executive director for corporate relations and business strategy, said. "Employers who embrace that connection are better able to develop a high-performing workforce that serves as a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

"AETN’s track record of low turnover and strong organizational performance demonstrates the benefits of investing in programs that promote a psychologically healthy workplace."

APA’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards are designed to showcase the very best from among the award winners recognized by APA’s affiliated state, provincial and territorial psychological associations. Nominees are evaluated on their workplace practices in the areas of employee involvement, health and safety, employee growth and development, work-life balance and employee recognition. Awards are given to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, as well as government, military and educational institutions.

AETN previously won the Arkansas Psychological Association’s state-level award in 2002 and 2006 and was named Arkansas's representative workplace to compete nationally in 2003 for our team hiring practices. The Arkansas Psychology Association has encouraged AETN to compete nationally in 2007.

AETN was chosen for the award based on: a team approach to projects that supported creativity and opportunities to develop leadership and technical skills; partnerships within the organization, as well as partnerships with outside agencies and businesses; and the acknowledgement of the value of their employees’ contributions.

Information gathered from employee questionnaires showed above average scores for a fair and useful evaluation system, company recognition of personal milestones, and company efforts to acknowledge hard work and exceptional performance.

The American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 148,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s digital and analog transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.