What is I-O Psychology?

The field of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology applies the science of psychology to all aspects of the workplace. "Industrial" refers to a wide variety of concepts related to personnel (e.g., selection, training, performance management), and "organizational" refers to concepts that apply more broadly to the organization as a whole (e.g., culture, change management, diversity). Another field of study related to I-O Psychology is Occupational Health Psychology (OHP). OHP is a separate, interdisciplinary field that focuses on employee health and wellbeing. Though OHP is not a sub-field of I-O Psychology, it is a natural extension for many I-O scientists and practitioners given the overlap between areas of interest. I-O psychologists who specialize in OHP issues often approach them from both a personnel and organizational perspective. 

As an I-O psychologist, you can contribute to the success of organizations by improving employee performance and wellbeing. According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), I-O psychologists assist organizations by:

• Recruiting people that best fit the organization
• Hiring better people
• Retaining the best people
• Developing fair, legal and efficient hiring practices
• Improving the skills of the people within the organization
• Creating a diverse, qualified workforce
• Developing performance management systems
• Minimizing absenteeism
• Eliminating harassment and discrimination
• Fostering a team environment
• Increasing motivation and dedication

For more information about the study and practice of I-O Psychology, check out these links:

• Our field's professional society, Division 14 of the American Psychological Association: www.SIOP.org

• Other SIOP links of interest:
  • I-O Career Paths
  • Student Resources (for current & prospective I-O students!)
• The Society for Occupational Health Psychology (SOHP): http://sohp-online.org/. 

Growing Need for I-O Psychologists

The need for I-O Psychology is growing as organizations look towards evidence-based procedures in hiring, training, and retention of employees. Jobs in I-O Psychology can be found in every sector of the labor market- including fortune 500 companies, factories, sports teams, universities, and volunteer efforts, just to name a few.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in I-O Psychology are one of the fastest-growing needs in the labor market. Before the pandemic, BLS predicted an 8% increase in growth between 2016 and 2026. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for individuals specializing in I-O Psychology. As of August of 2021, the latest BLS report indicates the need for jobs in I-O psychology is at 13.3%, with a mean annual wage of $112,690 (BLS)

What do I-O Psychologists do?

Employment Training & Development

• Training Program Development
• Training Evaluations
• Training Areas: Leadership, Safety, Diversity, and More

Employment Selection

• Design Selection Instruments
• Structured Interviews
• Selection System Development
• Legal Compliance

Organizational Change & Development

• Organizational Climate/Culture Surveys
• Organizational Structure and Size
• Cross Cultural and Diversity Issues
• Corporate Social Responsibility

Performance Management

• Job Analysis
• Performance Appraisal
• Performance Feedback
• Assessment Centers

Employment Motivation and Attitude

• Comprehensive System Design
• Motivation Exercises
• Attitude Surveys Fairness Perceptions Surveys

Occupational Health and Wellbeing

• Work-Life Interaction
• Stress Management
• Workplace Safety
• Quality of Work-life

Where do I-O Psychologists work