How to create a psychologically safe environment for your team

Understanding Psychological Safety

The Benefits of a Psychologically Safe Workplace

• Are more innovative and creative
• Have higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction
• Experience lower turnover rates
• Demonstrate improved performance and productivity
• Are better equipped to handle challenges and adapt to change

Building a Supportive Foundation

1. Leadership Commitment:

• Model desired behaviours: Show your team you're human by sharing your own mistakes and challenges. Leaders must embody the values of psychological safety by being vulnerable, open, and supportive.
• Communicate the importance of psychological safety: Clearly articulate the organisation's commitment to creating a safe environment, encouraging others to contribute to a safe culture.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate active listening, empathy, and respect for all team members regardless of position, experience or team.

2. Foster Open Communication:

• Create psychological safety ground rules: Establish clear guidelines for respectful communication and collaboration, ensuring all new starters and current employees are aware; create a culture promise document or company value that reinforces this.
• Encourage diverse perspectives: Value and encourage different viewpoints and experiences.
• Active listening: Train team members to actively listen and respond thoughtfully. Foster a culture of open dialogue where everyone is heard.

3. Build Trust and Respect:

• Transparency and honesty: Be open and transparent about organisational goals, challenges, and decisions. Allow the team to be part of the organisational direction and vision.
• Fairness and equity: Ensure fair treatment and equitable opportunities for all employees. Ensure your EDI strategy is regularly reviewed and acted upon.
• Recognise and reward contributions: Celebrate successes and regularly acknowledge individual and team efforts. Encourage team members to do the same for one another, developing platforms that foster this.

4. Encourage Learning and Growth:

• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Create a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for improvement, fostering a growth mindset. Ensure training is reviewed and developed regularly to meet the needs of each individual’s learning style.
• Provide development opportunities: Invest in employee growth and skill development, gaining individual feedback on development goals and needs.
• Encourage experimentation and innovation: Foster a climate of creativity and risk-taking and create outlets for team members to do this.

5. Prioritise Employee Well-being:

• Support work-life balance: Offer flexible work arrangements and encourage time off where needed. Normalise finishing on time and taking back any overtime hours worked.
• Promote mental health: Provide resources and support for employees' mental well-being. Do regular wellbeing check-ins and gather employee feedback to inform where further support may be needed.
• Create a positive and inclusive workplace culture: Foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, supported through team bonding activities.

Measuring and Maintaining Psychological Safety