Psychological Safety at the Workplace
by Angela Hummel, CBC and Dr. Peggy Marshall
We spend a lot of time making sure our workplaces are safe, physically that is. We post signs if floors are wet, so no one falls. We teach people how to report safety hazards and eliminate them. We even have a governing body in the United States called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA that sets regulations and monitors compliance. Keeping people safe from physical harm and hazards is important. Yet wouldn’t it be nice if we could put a sign outside of an organization or on their website indicating that workplace was also safe, psychologically. Or a warning sign if they aren’t?
So, what is a psychologically safe workplace? There are a few definitions and multiple thought leaders and researchers on the topic. The definition we like best is from Amy Edmondson who wrote the book “The Fearless Organization.” As a bonus, if you visit her website, you can take an assessment that measures the psychological safety of teams. It might be a great starting point for leading a discussion on psychological safety with your own team.
Returning to the concept of psychological safety, Edmondson defines psychological safety as:” a climate in which people are comfortable expressing and being themselves.” Other components of psychological safety shared by Edmonson include employees feel comfortable sharing concerns and mistakes without fear of embarrassment or retribution, employees are confident that they can speak up and won’t be humiliated, ignored, or blamed, employees can ask questions when they are unsure about something, employees tend to trust and respect their colleagues.
February 10th @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST
