Psychological safety in the workplace is the sense of security employees have when they feel safe enough to express their views and Speak Up without fear of repercussion.
We regularly see Engagement survey results list this in the top 5 most important areas for employees, in addition to Trust at an individual level. This is a key dynamic organisations need to get right if they are to drive high performance, innovation and creativity for long term success.
Feeling safe to express your own opinion, ask questions or respectfully challenge a colleague is not level specific and anyone regardless of position or background can Speak Up without fear of judgment.
Enabling colleagues to make mistakes or ask silly questions in a safe environment enables deeper learning to take place it creates resilience and provides regular opportunity to feedback to one another so it becomes a cultural norm.
"IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME FOR COMPANIES TO START THINKING SERIOUSLY ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, IT' S NOW"
Its not just about Leadership
It is likely as a Leader you don't have all the answers. By sharing that you don't will help others to open up and create opportunity to collectively explore solutions together.
By building collective responsibility will create a culture of openess and respect that will build stronger relationships. Make having a voice a strategic intention with leaders and managers role modelling behaviours.