A Strategic Approach for Human Resource Personnel
by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Human Resources (HR) departments play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and productivity of employees in the workplace. A Forensic Psychological Evaluation, a clinical and objective empirically based assessment, can be a valuable tool for HR to gain insight into how a workplace incident may have impacted an employee's emotional and functional well-being.
Understanding the Impact of Workplace Events
By utilizing these evaluations, HR professionals can better understand the psychological impact of workplace events on employees. Such evaluations can provide an objective and evidence-based assessment of an individual's mental health, identifying any psychological struggles or changes in functioning and determining if a particular event is the proximate cause of the employee's current difficulties.
Supportive Initiatives for Employees
The insight gained from a Forensic Psychological Evaluation can assist HR in creating more supportive and targeted initiatives, such as counseling sessions, wellness programs, or workplace accommodations, to help the affected employee cope with the emotional aftermath. Additionally, HR can better identify potential issues that may arise in similar scenarios, allowing them to proactively address and mitigate any negative impact on employee well-being and performance.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
These evaluations can be valuable in cases where legal or disciplinary action may be required. An accurate assessment of the psychological impact on an employee can help to make informed decisions and ensure fairness and appropriate action in such circumstances.
Conclusion
Ultimately, by leveraging clinical and empirical Forensic Psychological Evaluation, HR can gain invaluable insight into how workplace events affect employees—enabling them to provide support, promote well-being, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.