Building Psychological Safety in the Workplace

“Worklife Partnership provided invaluable support during some very difficult times in my life. Not only did my Navigator help me feel less stressed with the support that was provided, I also felt more confident and stable in tackling life hurdles that followed. Working for a company that provides such an amazing resource makes me grateful. I know that I can pick up the phone at any time and find help and relief when things become challenging.” 

– An employee WorkLife served

Components of psychological safety

According to a MHA Mind the Workplace Study, 9 in 10 employees report that their workplace stress affects their mental health. In order to improve job satisfaction and retention, it is imperative that you focus on the psychological wellbeing of your employees. 

Psychological safety is defined as the belief that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. People who feel psychologically safe in the workplace have the ability to bring their full selves to work. 

How to create a more psychological safe work environment

In a Workhuman study, 32% of respondents somewhat or strongly agree that they have felt lonely at work. When employees feel lonely, they have difficulties bringing their full selves to work. Here are some strategies to consider to combat loneliness and cultivate psychological safety in the workplace:

• Address the psychological needs of all your people. Data shows that companies do a better job of addressing the psychological needs of higher-earning employees than lower-earning colleagues.
• Create processes that empower employees to feel purposeful in their job.
• Listen to and evaluate employees’ daily experiences to gauge how satisfied they are with their psychological needs and wellbeing.
• Normalize vulnerability related to work. 
• Practice active listening, develop mutual trust, and be open with your team.
• Make time to recognize and thank workers, and encourage frequent check-ins.

Implementing these strategies can help ensure your employees feel respected and valued.

The business case for psychological safety in the workplace

A psychological safe workplace encourages employees to speak up when they see a problem. In turn, this helps organizations avoid potential failures and drive increased employee engagement. Furthermore, by allowing employees to share their ideas and opinions, they are able to demonstrate their knowledge as well as develop new skills. 

Gallup discovered that psychological safety can lead to a 27% reduction in turnover and a 12% increase in productivity.

How WorkLife can help

WorkLife wants to ensure that the workers we serve have the resources they need to feel a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and stability in their workplace environment. In turn, they can bring their whole selves to work and concentrate on their work. WorkLife provides Resource Navigators which help alleviate the burden of social challenges that are placed on the shoulders of your employees. 

Do you want to learn more about how to usher a sense of safety and trust at work? Contact us.