Psychological Safety is an essential aspect of creating a healthy and productive workplace
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- April 13, 2023
Written By Angela Prentner-Smith, Founder and MD of This is Milk
Psychological safety refers to the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.
When psychological safety is present, employees feel comfortable taking risks and sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of negative consequences. In this piece, I will discuss the importance of psychological safety in the workplace.
Firstly, psychological safety promotes creativity and innovation. When employees feel safe to express their ideas, they are more likely to contribute to discussions, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving efforts. This can lead to new and innovative approaches to business challenges, as well as improvements in products, services, and processes.
Secondly, psychological safety fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity. When employees feel safe to be themselves and express their thoughts and opinions, they are more likely to feel valued and appreciated by their colleagues and superiors. This can lead to a more positive and supportive work culture, where everyone feels included and respected.
Thirdly, psychological safety improves teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel safe to share their ideas and concerns, they are more likely to work together effectively to achieve common goals. They are also more likely to communicate openly and honestly with each other, which can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.
Fourthly, psychological safety can lead to better decision-making. When employees feel safe to voice their opinions, concerns, and questions, they can provide valuable feedback and perspectives that may have otherwise been overlooked. This can lead to more informed and effective decision-making at all levels of the organization.
Finally, psychological safety is essential for employee well-being. When our employees feel safe and supported in their workplace, they are less likely to experience stress, burnout, and other negative effects of a toxic work environment. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved mental health, and reduced turnover rates.
Research has shown that psychological safety in the workplace has numerous benefits for both employees and organisations.
Here are some statistics that highlight these benefits:
Improved teamwork and collaboration
According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, teams with high levels of psychological safety report better teamwork, more open communication, and greater collaboration. Specifically, teams with high levels of psychological safety were found to be 6 times more likely to be effective than teams with low psychological safety.
Higher employee engagement and job satisfaction
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who perceive high levels of psychological safety in their workplace are more likely to report higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement. This can lead to lower turnover rates and higher productivity.
Increased innovation and creativity
Research has shown that psychological safety can promote innovation and creativity in the workplace. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, employees who feel psychologically safe are more likely to share their ideas and opinions, which can lead to new insights and breakthroughs.
Better mental health and well-being
Psychological safety has also been linked to better mental health and well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology, employees who perceive higher levels of psychological safety in their workplace report lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improved organisational performance
Finally, research has shown that psychological safety can have a positive impact on organisational performance. According to a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, organisations with high levels of psychological safety tend to have better financial performance, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of innovation.
These findings demonstrate the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and the many benefits that can be gained by promoting a culture of trust, respect, and openness. By prioritising psychological safety, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
Here are a few examples of positive psychological safety in the workplace:
Encouraging open communication
Employers can create a safe space for employees to share their thoughts and opinions by encouraging open communication. This can include regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one check-ins where employees are encouraged to share their ideas, questions, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
Listening actively
Employers can demonstrate that they value their employees’ input by actively listening to what they have to say. This includes giving employees the time and space to speak without interruption, asking clarifying questions, and following up on any concerns or suggestions.
Providing constructive feedback
Employers can create a culture of psychological safety by providing employees with constructive feedback that is focused on improving their skills and abilities, rather than criticizing their performance. This can include setting clear expectations, providing ongoing coaching and support, and recognizing and rewarding employees’ achievements.
Encouraging risk-taking
Employers can promote psychological safety by encouraging employees to take risks and try new things. This can include providing opportunities for professional development, encouraging employees to think outside the box, and celebrating failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
Supporting mental health
Employers can create a culture of psychological safety by supporting their employees’ mental health needs. This includes providing access to mental health resources, promoting work-life balance, and addressing any concerns or issues that may be impacting employees’ mental health.
When employers prioritise psychological safety in the workplace, they can foster trust, collaboration, and innovation that leads to greater employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
By promoting open communication, active listening, constructive feedback, risk-taking, and mental health support, employers can create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Here are some examples of global brands that have adopted psychological safety practices in the workplace:
Google is known for creating a culture of psychological safety by encouraging employees to take risks and be creative without fear of judgment or retribution. The company promotes open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback, and provides employees with opportunities for professional development and personal growth.
Microsoft has implemented a range of psychological safety practices, including regular employee surveys, training on diversity and inclusion, and mental health support resources. The company also encourages open communication and collaboration through its Yammer platform, which allows employees to share ideas and feedback.
Salesforce is committed to creating a culture of psychological safety by providing employees with opportunities for feedback, recognition, and growth. The company offers regular performance reviews, coaching and mentoring programs, and a range of benefits and resources to support employee well-being.
Procter & Gamble has implemented a range of psychological safety practices, including regular employee feedback sessions, coaching, and mentoring programs, and diversity and inclusion training. The company also offers mental health support resources and encourages employees to take risks and be innovative in their work.
Airbnb has adopted a culture of psychological safety by promoting open communication and feedback, encouraging risk-taking and innovation, and providing employees with opportunities for growth and development. The company also offers mental health support resources and has implemented a range of diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more inclusive workplace.
These global brands demonstrate that psychological safety is a key component of a healthy and productive work environment.
By adopting practices that promote open communication, active listening, constructive feedback, risk-taking, and mental health support, these companies have created cultures of trust, collaboration, and innovation that lead to greater employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
Based in Glasgow, This is Milk was founded eight years ago by the award-winning entrepreneur Angela Prentner-Smith. With a network of global clients, she has gained a gold-standard reputation for This is Milk’s human-centred approach to its training and consultancy services.
Find out more at https://www.thisismilk.co.uk/
