What Is Psychological Safety?
“Psychological safety” has become a catchphrase. Those unfamiliar with the term often think that protecting workers’ mental health is what psychological safety means.
Psychological safety at work is a shared expectation among team members that they will not be embarrassed, rejected, or punished for sharing ideas, taking risks, or providing feedback. A psychologically safe workplace begins with a feeling of belonging, where employees feel accepted and are able to contribute fully in ways that improve their organizations.
Psychological safety in the workplace doesn’t mean that everyone is nice to each other all the time. Rather, it means that people feel free to brainstorm out loud, voice half-finished thoughts, openly challenge workflows, share feedback, and work through disagreements together—knowing that leaders value honesty and that team members will have one another’s backs.
When people talk about their own mistakes, rather than pointing out others’, it suggests that your workplace is psychologically safe.
When workplace psychological safety is present, people feel comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work and are okay with pitching any idea in front of leaders and teammates. Organizations with such safe work environments—where employees feel free to ask bold questions, share concerns, ask for help, and take calculated risks—are all the better for it.
In fact, a research study found that teams with high degrees of psychological safety reported higher levels of performance and lower levels of interpersonal conflict. It’s important to note that not all team members hold the same perceptions, though.
The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace:
Psychological safety at work is not just a “nice to have;” it impacts the organization’s bottom line. Having a higher level of consistent psychological safety helps unlock the contributions of all talent in the organization and ensures the organization is better equipped to prevent failure.
Research has repeatedly found that organizations benefit from diversity of thought, and groups of people with different life experiences are better able to recognize problems and offer creative solutions.
But what if some team members don’t feel comfortable speaking up? What if they’re afraid to share their narrative? What if they avoid suggesting new and innovative ideas because they’re worried about the aftereffects? Unfortunately, many people feel this way about their workplace. According to a report, just 3 out of 10 employees agreed that their opinions really count at work.
People who feel their work environment is psychologically safe are more willing to engage in risk-taking behaviors that contribute to greater organizational innovation. This ultimately yields a more robust, dynamic, and inclusive organizational culture.
In contrast, when psychological safety at work is low and people are uncomfortable raising concerns, the organization isn’t equipped to prevent failure, and talent begins to disengage. When employees aren’t fully committed to shared organizational goals, the organization has lost an opportunity to leverage the contributions of all its talent.
Why Psychological Safety in the Workplace Matters Now More Than Ever!
The rise of the hybrid workplace and virtual work arrangements since the pandemic have made psychological safety at work more complex for leaders today. It can be harder to build a psychologically safe workplace when employees are not all co-located, and many are working remotely. If you think implementing psychological safety at work is hard, maintaining it is even harder.
Organizations need leaders who can show empathy, have authenticity and effective communication skills, and can create a psychologically safe work environment.
According to one survey, 89 percent of employees said they believe that psychological safety in the workplace is essential. Another research study also suggests there is a strong link between higher employee satisfaction and better business outcomes.
By making psychological safety a priority, leaders can set up their teams for success now and long into the future. Psychological safety plays a huge role in shaping your company’s core values and culture.
When a team or organizational climate is characterized by interpersonal trust, respect, and a sense of belonging at work, members feel free to collaborate and feel safe taking risks, which ultimately enables them to drive innovation more effectively and be more productive.
Reference: Highly inspired by an article by CCL (Center for Creative Leadership).
KNOW YOUR AUTHOR – The Life of Ashreeta Mohanty
Background:
Ashreeta Mohanty, born in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, grew up in a nurturing joint family. With a passion for literature and science, she excelled academically and discovered her love for writing during her high school years.
Early Education and Career:
Ashreeta completed her Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering at CV Raman University, followed by a B-Tech at Trident Academy of Technology. Despite academic success, she faced challenges in campus placements, leading her to move to Bangalore in search of better opportunities.
Career Struggles and Writing Revival:
After working in various roles and experiencing job dissatisfaction, Ashreeta returned to Odisha in 2018. In 2019, a colleague introduced her to guest blogging, rekindling her passion for writing. She participated in online writing communities, competitions, and collaborations, contributing to numerous anthologies and e-magazines.
Achievements and Recognition:
Ashreeta’s writing gained significant recognition, leading to multiple awards, including the Indian Excellence Awards by JJ Crowns and features in various publications. Her notable works include contributions to anthologies like “Disabled Society,” “Women the Warrior,” and “When Hiraeth Whispered.”
Personal Life and Continued Success:
In 2020, Ashreeta married and moved to Amlai, Madhya Pradesh. Her supportive husband encouraged her writing career. She continued to write, participate in competitions, and win accolades, balancing her personal and professional life effectively.
Current Projects and Future Goals:
Currently, Ashreeta is working on her solo book “Finding Inner Peace,” focusing on spirituality and mental health. She actively participates in campaigns for underprivileged children and contributes to various writing platforms.
Published Articles and Guest Blogs:
Ashreeta’s published articles cover topics such as religious intolerance, child education, women empowerment, and sustainability. Her guest blogs, inspired by TED Talks, include themes like success, leadership, and work-from-home culture.
Looking Ahead:
Ashreeta aims to establish herself globally, addressing issues like the climate crisis, social reforms, and geopolitics through her writing. She plans to publish more books and continue contributing to societal change.
Message to Young Writers:
Ashreeta encourages young writers to embrace their passion, overcome insecurities, and persistently strive to improve. She believes in the power of storytelling to inspire and bring about change, urging budding writers to read extensively, stay informed, and keep writing.
HER PUBLISHED BOOK
GO CHECK OUT HER BOOK
PLAYBOOKS LINK–
HER SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
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