How to Create Psychological Safety for Yourself at Work

Work provides security to make employees feel physically safe. However, psychological safety in the workplace is another topic altogether. Companies may have a strong work culture that shuts down your ideas and divides you from other team members. Whether it does or doesn’t, it’s up to leaders and employees to incorporate psychological safety.

What Psychological Safety in the Workplace Looks Like

Psychological safety in the workplace entails a welcoming environment open to discussion and collaboration. Everyone, regardless of gender, identity, race, age, and other factors, respects each person’s voice. This ambiance contributes to a positive workplace where people challenge each other but grow together.

Psychological safety should be a priority in every company. Unfortunately, 18% of employed people around the world have experienced psychological violence and harassment. Some come in the form of insults and threats, while others experience bullying and other grave forms of retaliation.

Tips to Achieving Psychological Safety at Work

It is possible to foster psychological safety in the workplace. It’s harder in environments with existing toxicity. However, making the leap can make the space more accommodating for you and other employees.

1. Vet the Workplace

Try to understand the environment you’re hoping to penetrate. The interview is an open space to ask questions and concerns so you know what you’re getting into. Research past employee experiences, too.

If you continue to join the workspace, you can also get an overview of the company culture. This knowledge can guide you to achieve psychological safety without putting yourself at risk for scrutiny.

2. Demonstrate Vulnerability

Preaching about psychological safety can get some people to listen, but actions speak louder than words. Leaders and employees should strive to demonstrate vulnerability in the workplace. For example, if they have an idea for a project, speak up and suggest it.

Putting your thoughts out in the open can seem uncomfortable initially. That said, this step shows others the space is safe for those expressions. If anyone shuts you down, speak to someone you trust in the workspace about the behavior.

3. Listen to Others with Curiosity

Listening can empower other employees to contribute to psychological safety in the workplace. Extend curiosity toward the people around you and their ideas. Ask them questions and keep up the conversation as well.

While workplace chat should stay professional, it shouldn’t be fake or uptight. Being genuine and relaxed can also help people take things easy. About 20% of the world’s population is highly sensitive to their surroundings, so give off the right energy.

4. Check Your Emotions

Psychological safety in the workplace is taxing to develop, so don’t forget to check on your emotions. If you speak up or have a conversation, assess those interactions. Did they hear what you were saying or did you immediately shut down? Do you think you could have taken a different approach when expressing yourself? How did it all make you feel?

This reflection can give you insight into your overall energy levels. If you feel tired, it’s okay to take a break from engaging in the workplace first. You can stay on the sidelines until you feel confident to discuss topics with your manager and peers again. Employees can even be honest about their emotional bandwidth to handle such talks.

5. Be Wary of People-Pleasing

Pursuing psychological safety may backfire on people. Some may scoff, while others spark an argument. In these cases, certain employees may think people-pleasing is easier for pacifying any type of conflict. However, this behavior may do more harm than good.

Relenting to people who harm the psychological safety of others in the workplace, it almost reinforces their behavior. Push for a sensible conversation instead. You can also get higher-ups involved to address the work culture.

6. Stick Up for Other People

Some people invalidate other employees for their vulnerability. Try to stick up for them in the heat of the moment. That support can signal that they shouldn’t stop putting their thoughts into a conversation.

After exiting the situation, remember to check in with the affected employees about their feelings. You can also ask for extra details to get the full picture of their situation. Creating psychological safety in the workspace is a collective effort, so strive to build positive relationships and have each others’ backs.

7. Know to Grow from Mistakes

Mistakes are natural in the workplace, especially when making risky decisions. Psychological safety in the workplace should make you feel secure about making those leaps. However, some environments are rude when a problem occurs. This negativity can cause employees to feel remorseful and shut down.

Others may swear never to think outside the box again. However, instead of letting guilt take over, use it as motivation to improve your future approach or behavior. This time may not have gone well, but subtle shifts can change everything.

8. Extend Appreciation to Members

Providing recognition to team members can promote psychological safety in the workplace. People contribute so much to completing projects and collaborating with other people. Rather than treating it as a natural occurrence, praise people who put their all toward making the workplace as productive as it is.

Appreciation can make members feel more visible. It gives them more confidence in speaking their minds and engaging with other employees. Sincerely acknowledge their hard work in team meetings and one-on-ones.

Achieve Safety for Peace of Mind at Work

Psychological safety in the workplace takes time and effort. However, it’s worth the wait to run through operations and participate in team discussions without guilt or fear. Aim to achieve peace of mind for better productivity and to secure your mental health.