I wrote this article specifically to help HR Professionals understand psychological safety.

Psychological Safety is a term used in business to describe an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of retribution. Companies must create a safe space for employees to be productive and creative. Unfortunately, many employers do not realize the importance of psychological safety and its impact on their bottom line.

A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel safe sharing their thoughts and ideas are 58% more likely to do so. Furthermore, when employees feel unsafe, they are 25% less likely to contribute creative ideas. When people feel unsafe, they become guarded and are less likely to take risks.

Psychological safety is crucial for creativity and productivity, but it is also essential for employee engagement. A study conducted by Gallup found that employees engaged in their work are three times more likely to stay with their organization than those not engaged. Furthermore, companies with high levels of employee engagement have profits that are 22% higher than companies with low levels of engagement.

Amy Edmonson, Ph.D., and Harvard Business School, Professor of Leadership and Management, says, “When a work environment has reasonably high psychological safety, good things happen – mistakes are reported quickly so that prompt corrective action can be taken; seamless coordination across groups or departments is enabled, and potentially game-changing ideas for innovation are shared. In short, psychological safety is a crucial source of value creation in organizations operating in a complex, changing environment”.

Now that we know the importance of psychological safety let’s look at ways to create a safe and open environment for employees.

What is Psychological Safety?

Psychological Safety is an environment or culture where people can speak up and share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas without fear of being judged or punished. When psychological safety is present, “team members feel confident they will not be punished for speaking up about wrongdoing.” This environment fosters creativity, productivity, and engagement at work.

In a study of 4,000 employees, researchers found that psychological safety was the most critical factor in predicting employee engagement. They also found that when people feel unsafe, they are less likely to take risks and more likely to keep their thoughts and ideas to themselves.

Why Should Human Resource Professionals Care?

There are many reasons why Human Resource professionals should care about psychological safety. Some of the most important reasons are:

• Psychological Safety is essential for creativity and productivity.
• Psychological Safety is critical for employee engagement.
• Psychological Safety can impact the bottom line.
• Psychological Safety is vital in creating a positive work culture.
• Psychological Safety can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Psychological Safety can help reduce absenteeism and turnover.

Creativity and Productivity

Employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas and are more creative and productive. Psychological Safety allows employees to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and improve productivity and innovation.

Google is known for its creative and productive workplace culture. One of the reasons for this is their focus on measuring psychological safety. Google has a dedicated department called “Google People Operations,” which creates a safe and healthy work environment.

Employee Engagement

When employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. Psychological Safety allows employees to feel connected to their work and each other, leading to increased productivity and a better work-life balance.

Southwest Airlines is known for its high employee engagement rates. One of the reasons for this is their focus on promoting psychological safety. Southwest Airlines has an “Open Communications policy,” which encourages employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely.

The Bottom Line

Employees can benefit from their creativity and productivity when they feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. In addition, positive work culture can lead to lower stress levels and better mental health. All of these factors can have a positive impact on the bottom line.

For example, Intel is known for its high employee retention rates. One of the reasons for this is their focus on psychological safety. Intel has a “Freedom to Speak Up policy,” which encourages employees to freely share their thoughts and ideas.

Positive Work Culture

When employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, it leads to positive work culture. Psychological Safety creates an open and psychologically safe environment where employees can be themselves. This can lead to increased morale and job satisfaction.

LinkedIn is known for its positive work culture. One of the reasons for this is their focus on improving psychological safety. LinkedIn has an “Open Door Policy,” which encourages employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely.

Reduced Stress Levels

Employees feeling safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas can reduce stress levels. Psychological Safety allows employees to feel supported and understood. This can lead to decreased stress levels and improved mental health.

Zappos is known for its relaxed and fun work environment. One of the reasons for this is their focus on fostering psychological safety. Zappos has a “Holacracy ” policy that encourages employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely.

Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover

Employees feeling safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas can reduce absenteeism and turnover. Psychological Safety allows employees to feel connected to their work and each other. This can lead to increased productivity and a better work-life balance.

For example, Valve is known for having a low turnover rate. One of the reasons for this is their focus on building psychological safety. Valve’s “No Jerks Policy” encourages employees to freely share their thoughts and ideas.

Psychological Safety is a critical aspect of the workplace and one in which HUMAN RESOURCES professionals should be well-versed. Employers can encourage creativity, productivity, and engagement by creating a safe and open environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

How Can Human Resource Professionals Create a Psychologically Safe Environment?

There are several things Human Resource professionals can do to create a safe environment in their workplace. Some of these things include:

• Establishing a policy of open communication: When employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, it leads to positive work culture.
• Creating a policy of freedom to speak up: The “freedom to speak up policy ” should encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely. This policy sends the message that the company values employee feedback.
• Creating a policy of no judgment: The policy of “no judgment” should encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely. Even if an employee’s idea is not implemented, they should not feel judged.
• Encouraging employees to take breaks: Employees are less likely to be productive when stressed. Encouraging employees to take breaks can help them to relax and recharge.
• Creating a safe environment online: The workplace is not the only place employees need to feel safe. Employees also need to feel safe when communicating online. Team leaders can help create a safe online environment by establishing a policy on acceptable behavior.
• Encouraging employees to socialize: Socializing outside work can help employees relieve stress and relax. Human Resource professionals can encourage employees to socialize by hosting social events outside of work.

These are just a few ways that Human Resource professionals can create a safe environment in their workplace. Employers can encourage creativity, productivity, and engagement by creating a safe and open environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

Human Resource Professionals should be well-versed in creating a psychologically safe work environment. By establishing policies that encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely, Human Resource professionals can help to create a positive company culture.

Conclusion

Human Resource professionals are a vital part of creating safe and psychologically safe environments in the workplace. These experts can help create an encouraging work culture by establishing policies that encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely.

If you’re looking to create a safe and open environment in your workplace, Black Diamond Leadership can help. Our experts can help you establish policies encouraging employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely. We can also help you create a positive work culture promoting creativity, productivity, and engagement. Schedule a complimentary call with one of our consultants to learn more about how we can help you improve psychological safety.

FAQs

Why do we need psychological safety?

Psychological Safety is crucial because it allows employees to take risks and be creative. When employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, they are more likely to be productive and engaged.

Why is psychological safety important in the context of ethical decision-making?

Psychological safety is essential in ethical decision-making because it allows employees to raise concerns without fear of retribution. When employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, they are more likely to make ethical decisions.

How does a lack of psychological safety affect employee performance?

Employees who feel unsafe and uncomfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas are less likely to be productive and engaged. In addition, a lack of psychological safety can lead to employee burnout.

What is workplace psychological safety?

Workplace psychological safety is a term used to describe employees feeling safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Employees who feel safe and comfortable sharing their opinions are more likely to be productive and engaged.

What is employee psychological safety?

Employee psychological safety is a term used to describe an employee’s level of safety when sharing their thoughts and ideas with their employer. Employees who feel safe and comfortable sharing their opinions are more likely to be productive and engaged.