Is Your Workplace Psychologically Safe?
Psychological safety at work has been shown to be a key factor in team performance. It's the belief that one can show and express oneself without fear of negative consequences of doing so. In order to create and maintain a healthy workplace environment, it is essential to have psychological safety.
There are many benefits to having psychological safety at work. For example, employees feel more comfortable speaking up about problems or concerns, which can lead to better decision-making. Additionally, employees are more likely to take risks when they feel safe to do so, leading to innovation and creativity. Finally, feeling safe at work can lead to increased job satisfaction and commitment to the organization.
Despite the clear advantages of psychological safety, many organizations struggle to create this type of environment. One reason is that leaders often inadvertently send the message that only certain types of behavior are acceptable. For example, a leader who consistently offers criticism or communicates in a negative way may unintentionally create an environment where employees feel they need to walk on eggshells.
Leaders can promote psychological safety in their organizations by modeling desired behaviors, such as open communication and positive reinforcement. Additionally, leaders should make a point of encouraging employees to speak up and offering support when they do so. Finally, leaders should create opportunities for employees to take risks without fear of repercussions. By taking these steps, leaders can foster a workplace environment where employees feel safe to express themselves and take risks, leading to improved team performance.
More in the video below!
RACHEL DEALTO
Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker on communication, leadership, team building, and more. She’s on a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other.