Psychological safety refers to the belief that one can express themselves without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career. It is a key component of a healthy workplace environment.
What Psychological Safety Is:
- Open Communication: Employees feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of retribution.
- Supportive Environment: Team members support one another, and leaders encourage input from everyone.
- Innovation and Learning: A psychologically safe environment fosters creativity and continuous learning, as employees are not afraid to take risks.
What Psychological Safety Is Not:
- Lack of Accountability: Psychological safety does not mean a lack of accountability or feedback. It involves holding people accountable in a supportive and constructive manner.
- Ignoring Problems: It’s not about avoiding difficult conversations but addressing issues in a way that promotes growth.
Rationale Behind Psychological Safety:
- Increased Performance: Research by Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School has shown that teams with high psychological safety are more innovative and perform better.
- Employee Well-being: Psychological safety is linked to reduced stress and improved job satisfaction, contributing to overall well-being.