How to Create Psychological Safety at Work

Author: XpertHR Editorial Team

Psychological safety is a term, coined by Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson, referring to a belief that one can voice their concerns, ask questions, speak up or make mistakes without the risk of punishment or humiliation. It is an important inclusion issue that employers cannot afford to ignore.

Projects with greater psychological safety have been shown to have a greater likelihood of success and innovation because employees are more comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts, notes Edmondson. Conversely, a lack of psychological safety in the workplace leads to disengagement, staff turnover, recruiting costs and other adverse effects.

The following steps will help an employer understand how to create a culture that provides psychological safety.