Child care and elder care; career and development counseling; programs on sexual harassment, discrimination and workplace violence; and seminars on physical and psychological health.

The above programs are just some of the reasons VisitPittsburgh, the county's official tourism promotion agency, was chosen by the Pennsylvania Psychological Association as one of five companies across the state to receive Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards, according to Rex Gatto, chairman of the association's judging committee.

The awards, supported by the American Psychological Association, recognize organizations that "make a commitment to workplace well-being and create a psychologically healthy work environment for employees," the group said in a brochure about its 2010 winners.

Applicants, who submit two forms and employee testimonials, are screened and winnowed by the committee, then undergo a conference-call interview followed by an on-site interview.

Since he works locally, Dr. Gatto did the tour of VisitPittsburgh with another psychologist, Nancy Chubb.

"We saw that in fact that they met the criteria ... work-life balance, concern for physical health, involvement of the employees on numerous committees and task forces," he said.

Other programs they saw in place included diversity training, recognition ceremonies for employees' contributions to the company, a smoke-free environment, nutritional education, an employee assistance program for people with family problems, and fitness equipment.

"That's pretty good, and they also have mechanisms for getting the suggestions from employees to their CEO," he said.

"You put all that together, those are the kind of things we're looking for, and we felt pretty strongly that's why they deserved the award. They do a lot."

VisitPittsburgh, a nonprofit, has 51 full-time and 30 part-time employees who in addition to the county help promote the nine-county southwestern Pennsylvania region.

"We're not selling widgets here; it's all about our staff," said Mary Grasha-Houpt, executive director of human resources for VisitPittsburgh. "We're giving them the tools that they need to be a success. ...

"We give them as much development as we can; the more the staff knows, the more we know," she added. "They can be more engaged and productive, and they show they appreciate it because more than 70 percent participate in our [wellness] program. ...

"I just absolutely love coming to work every day and hope the staff feels the same way. And we think they do."

Other companies that won the award included Indiana Hospital; Wessell & Company, Johnstown; and eXude Benefits Group, Inc., and Main Line Health, both of Philadelphia.

Plaques were awarded along with letters of congratulation from Gov. Ed Rendell during the psychological association's annual convention in Harrisburg last month. In December, Dr. Gatto said, the judges will review the five award winners to see if any of them should be forwarded for consideration for a similar national honor given in Washington, D.C.

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