This year’s theme shines a light on mental health in humanitarian agencies. NGOs work tirelessly to deliver support in emergencies, but they often face resource constraints, emotional strain, and the unpredictability of crises. These pressures can lead to staff and volunteer burnout and high turnover — even when the cause is noble.  

Industrial-Organisational (IO) psychologists apply psychological science to make workplaces healthier and more effective — not only in businesses, but also in non-profit, purpose-driven organisations. In humanitarian settings, they can help NGOs by:  

Improving leadership & accountability: Strengthening value-driven, inclusive leadership across all levels, with coaching that empowers mid-level leaders and clarifies vision and roles.  

Developing staff resilience: Creating evidence-based stress management programmes and positive workplace cultures to support both staff and volunteers.  

Managing volunteers effectively : Designing roles and feedback systems that build clarity, meaning, belonging, flexibility, and recognition.  

Strengthening organisational agility: Advising on decentralised decision-making, rapid learning cycles, and contingency partnerships so NGOs can respond swiftly to emergencies.  

By supporting mental health and organisational sustainability, IO psychology ensures humanitarian missions can thrive — turning compassion into long-term impact.  

Courtesy of The Hong Kong Psychological Society – The Division of Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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