An organisational psychologist is a registered psychologist who applies best-practice psychological science to the workplace. Their focus is on understanding how individuals, teams, and organisations function, with the goal of improving both workplace wellbeing and organisational performance. Organisational psychologists are able to design and deliver processes or programs to strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, workplace culture, team effectiveness and organisational change.
What Training Does an Organisational Psychologist Have?
In Australia, organisational psychologists complete an accredited undergraduate psychology degree, then undertake specialist postgraduate training in organisational psychology, and upon completion of this, obtain full registration as a psychologist. They must meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia and maintain professional registration through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
This specialist training equips organisational psychologists to apply evidence-based psychological methods to workplace challenges such as leadership development, psychosocial risk management, employee engagement, organisational change, and workplace culture. At Altius, organisational psychology services are delivered by AHPRA-registered professionals with expertise in workplace psychology and organisational performance.
How is an Organisational Psychologist Different from ?
While there can be overlap in workplace support services, each role has a different focus.
Organisational psychologists work on workplace systems, behaviour and performance. They use evidence-based assessments, research, and intervention methods to help organisations improve leadership, culture, employee wellbeing, and team effectiveness.
Counsellors typically focus on providing therapeutic support to individuals experiencing personal or work-related concerns.
HR advisors focus on employment matters such as policies, compliance, workforce processes, and employee relations. Organisational psychology services complement HR functions by addressing the behavioural and psychological factors that influence workplace outcomes.
Organisational psychology services complement HR functions by addressing the behavioural and psychological factors that influence workplace outcomes. This work also has a clear business case. PwC’s industry report, Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace: Return on Investment Analysis, found that successful investment in workplace mental health and wellbeing actions delivers an average return on investment of 2.3, or $2.30 in benefits for every dollar spent.
PeopleSense: Psychology & Wellbeing by Altius combines organisational psychology, workplace wellbeing and broader psychology services to help organisations create healthier workplaces where people and performance can thrive. When people thrive, organisational performance follows.
Planning to build healthier teams, stronger leadership and more effective workplaces? Visit the Altius Organisational Psychology service page to learn how our experts can support your organisation’s goals.
Registered Psychologist and Team Leader at PeopleSense: Psychology & Wellbeing by Altius, and holds a Master of Organisational Psychology from Griffith University. Varuni is dedicated to using evidence-based practice to provide organisations with practical strategies to better develop and support their people.
