Innovation thrives in environments where people feel safe to share their ideas, voice concerns, and take risks without fear of criticism.
Over a decade ago, the Canadian Mental Health Commission shared 13 standards for psychological safety in the workplace that are still relevant today.
The 13 factors of psychological health and safety in the workplace are:
- Organizational Culture
- Psychological and Social Support
- Clear Leadership & Expectations
- Civility & Respect
- Psychological Demands
- Growth & Development
- Recognition & Reward
- Involvement & Influence
- Workload Management
- Engagement
- Balance
- Psychological Protection
- Protection of Physical Safety
Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing, creative, and engaged teams. In this blog, we explore why psychological safety is essential for workplace innovation and how you can foster it within your team.
What is Psychological Safety?
Psychological safety refers to an environment where employees feel secure enough to speak up, share feedback, and contribute without fear of negative consequences. It allows for:
- Open communication and transparency.
- A culture of learning from mistakes.
- Stronger collaboration and trust among team members.
How Psychological Safety Drives Innovation
- Encourages Creative Thinking: When team members feel safe, they are more willing to propose innovative ideas without fear of failure.
- Enhances Problem-Solving: Employees who are comfortable speaking up can openly discuss challenges, leading to faster and more effective solutions.
- Increases Engagement & Collaboration: Teams with high psychological safety show greater engagement, motivation, and trust in their leaders and colleagues.
How to Foster Psychological Safety in Your Team
✅ Encourage Honest Discussions & Active Listening – Create opportunities for open dialogue where everyone feels heard and valued.
✅ Avoid Blame & Focus on Solutions – Instead of pointing fingers, shift the focus toward learning and problem-solving.
✅ Recognize & Appreciate Diverse Perspectives – Embrace inclusivity and encourage different viewpoints to drive creativity and innovation.
Things to Ponder!
A workplace that prioritizes psychological safety becomes a hub for innovation, collaboration, and productivity. By fostering an environment where team members feel safe to contribute, organizations unlock new ideas, strengthen teamwork, and create sustainable success.
Action Steps
Our 90-Day Team Resilience Accelerator helps us create a culture of psychological safety in workplaces and teams so they can be resilient and thrive.
Join the upcoming masterclass to learn more. Create a culture of safety and innovation in your team today!
To Your Wellness,
Joyce
