Psychological safety in the workplace: where to begin
Before COVID, 40% of people experienced feeling isolated at work. Now, according to recent Gallup research, “nearly 85% of employees worldwide are still not engaged or are actively disengaged at work”.
More than ever, workplaces are struggling to not only attract staff, but consistently retain, empower and support them.
As part of our desire to provide education that fosters engaging and supportive workplaces, we sat down with Arthur Papagiannis, CEO of AP Psychology and Consulting Services. Through his leadership in delivering strategic workplace wellbeing solutions, Arthur’s expertise is invaluable.
In this video series, he shares his insight into creating a psychologically safe workplace, the importance of education, leadership buy in and more.
How would you describe psychological safety at work?
Attaining workplace psychological safety can be an overwhelming process for organizational leaders. Here Arthur summarizes key terms and strategies that his team use to break down the process and simplify the goals.
The importance of education
Education is a powerful tool against stigma, bias and any barriers to support within the workplace. Arthur explains the importance of not only awareness education but developing proactive skillsets at all levels of an organization.
It starts at the top
Having leadership commitment and adequate training will always be critical when creating a psychologically safe workplace. As Arthur explains, staff can miss pathways to support and recovery if awareness programs are rolled out without leaders also receiving appropriate training on how to best guide their team.
The pandemic and workplace culture
Our global awareness of the importance of personal and workplace wellbeing has certainly risen over the past few years. We dive into how both the collective struggle during the pandemic and a mass refocus, or simplification, of priorities has compounded this.
What change can look like
A psychologically safe workplace is an environment where employees feel capable to speak up authentically regarding struggles, concerns or challenges without fear of retribution or discrimination.
Arthur explores some of the recognizable changes that can be seen when a culture begins to shift.
Arthur and his team share our passion with creating simplified and accessible learning moments, that help employees and workplaces thrive. To further assist you in understanding the learning needs of your workplace, we have developed the Humans at Work guide.
The Humans at Work guide
Psychological safety at work can feel overwhelming to approach, particularly if you're not sure where to begin. To help navigate these waters we have developed, in partnership with AP Psychology, the Humans at Work guide.
This auditing and planning tool will guide you in finding the right learning for your team.
If you are a current Go1 customer, you can complete the guide in partnership with your CSM and they will add a Humans at Work learning plan into your current learning structure.
If you are not currently a customer and interested in elevating your workplace's mental health and wellbeing learning, we would love to help.
Download the Humans at Work guide and let's move towards psychologically safer workplaces.
