The figure of the psychologist is very important within a company. Let's find out what functions he has and what role he holds.
Last update: July 13, 2020
We tend to think of the psychologist as that professional figure who intervenes on mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, anorexia or bulimia. His presence, however, is also important in the world of work; human resources are, in fact, the most important resource of the company. Today we talk about the psychologist in the company and how it can help this type of organization.
The psychologist in the company can improve the work environment and relationships between colleagues, thus facilitating greater productivity and satisfaction. Research indicates that, especially up to a certain level, employee well-being has a direct impact on motivation. In addition to this, the occupational psychologist has a very specific role and functions.
Within the company, this professional figure develops activities that can be divided into two groups:
- Activities aimed at modifying the external and environmental conditions of the workplace to adapt them to the needs of the person.
- Activities aimed at personnel selection, evaluation of the commitment of professional figures, orientation and counseling.
The psychologist in the company and the selection of personnel
The business psychologist generally has a leading role in personnel selection and job analysis. One of its tasks is the evaluation of the candidates' profile to understand whether or not it fits the figure sought by the company. To do this, analyze motivation, experience, personality and anxieties.
This feature is important in job search. Let's imagine, for example, that the company needs a managerial figure. The occupational psychologist will initiate a profile analysis of each candidate to see if it is in line with company expectations.
In addition to personnel selection, it often also has the responsibility of firing the employee who ceases to be productive for the company or who has committed a serious misconduct.
The prevention of occupational risks
Corporate psychologists also work in the prevention of occupational risks; the health of workers is, in fact, very important. In this regard, they have to worry about mental well-being. Are employees stressed? Does anyone suffer from burnout syndrome?
In this case the psychologist in the company must intervene even if he often does not work alone. In fact, he can organize a working group that includes other professional figures such as the sociologist.
The occupational psychologist also occupies a special role in the marketing department. Identifying the needs of customers or users, in fact, is of utmost importance for the success of a marketing campaign.
Psychologists provide strategic advice and support for companies.
The tools used by the psychologist in the company
In order to carry out all these activities, and many others, the business psychologist uses a series of tools. We already know some of them: they are the tests and questionnaires to be submitted to the employee. They allow to measure the degree of satisfaction, well-being and productivity.
He also makes use of observation, paying close attention to dynamics in the office; intervenes in the event of conflicts. In addition to this, it organizes the responsibilities of the employees so that everyone is productive and the performance is as good as possible.
The presence of the psychologist is therefore significant in the company organization. However, it is not always present and this can be seen in the workplace, in the degree of employee satisfaction and in the success of the commercial activity.
The company can greatly benefit from having a psychologist on staff. In fact, he possesses a series of knowledge that other professional figures do not have. This also opens up more job opportunities for recent graduates in psychology.
