What distinguishes successful teams from those that fail? When do team members feel the most productive, creative, and innovative? Why do some companies have low employee turnover while others struggle and lose money from this process? The answer to these questions may be related to the psychological safety environment.
Psychological safety refers to an individual’s belief that they can speak up without fear of retribution or ridicule and their perception of the consequences of taking an interpersonal risk. This is crucial for innovation, employee well-being, and overall company success.
Founder & CEO of Calmerry
Statistically, only one in five employees feel comfortable sharing constructive criticism at work. This means that most fear repercussions for speaking up. Additionally, only one in six individuals feel a strong sense of connection to their organization and their colleagues.
As the CEO of Calmerry, an innovative online therapy platform, Alex Vitchenko has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of psychological safety in the workplace. In this article, Alex shares insights on why psychological safety matters and how organizations can cultivate it to create a thriving work environment.
What Is Psychological Safety at Work?
Psychological safety at work is an environment where employees feel safe expressing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of negative consequences.
McKinsey stated, “Psychological safety is consistently one of the strongest predictors of team performance, productivity, quality, safety, creativity, and innovation.”
Why Is Psychological Safety Important for Organizations?
- In a psychologically safe environment, employees are encouraged to share creative ideas and take risks without fear of failure. This fosters a culture of innovation where new and better solutions can emerge.
- Employees’ overall well-being improves when they feel safe and valued. This leads to higher job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and reduced burnout.
- Psychological safety promotes open communication and trust among team members, leading to more effective collaboration and problem-solving.
- Employees who feel psychologically safe are more engaged and committed to their work, which boosts productivity and reduces turnover rates.
How to Cultivate Psychological Safety
I found an interesting idea at Accenture about how omni-connections enable employees to participate fully and have an equitable experience. Through these experiences, employees can form connections, generate personal and professional value, and advance their careers.
According to Accenture research, omni-connected companies can expect:
- a 7.4% increase in revenue growth;
- a 29% increase in trust resulted in elevated work quality and stronger work relationships.
Cultivating psychological safety requires intentional effort and commitment from the company, its leaders, and employees.
What can a Company do to Create a Psychologically Safe Environment?
- Encourage leaders and managers to demonstrate vulnerability – I believe in using my own mistakes as learning opportunities. When I made a mistake in choosing tactics for scaling, I discussed it openly with my team, encouraging their input. I seek out different viewpoints and focus on solutions rather than blame.
- Share a vision instead of delegating tasks – Of course, no one can know your company’s future better, but you are hiring talents who will offer diverse perspectives and make your product even better. My main recommendation is to stop micromanaging and keep repeating your core values and goals, even if everyone has heard them many times.
- Review company structure and remove unnecessary hierarchies – Unnecessary chains of command may delay decision-making and limit open communication.
- Support the physical & mental well-being of your leaders and employees – Employees with inadequate mental health miss four times more work. The top three issues impacting productivity are tiredness (61%), stress (32%), and poor mental health (25%).
The company can offer comprehensive mental health benefits, such as therapy sessions with licensed counselors, and provide employees with a confidential space to discuss concerns and manage stress. Fostering open communication, encouraging work-life balance, and offering flexible work arrangements contribute to a supportive culture.
What can Leaders do to Create a Psychologically Safe Environment?
- Lead by example – Team leaders and C-level should create an environment of trust and openness by demonstrating vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and actively listening to employees.
- Encourage open communication – Communicate openly and honestly instead of remaining silent. Avoid projecting excessive confidence when uncertain. To keep everyone informed, you might consider sending a brief monthly/weekly email or giving regular updates during meetings.
- Promote inclusivity – Ensure all employees feel included and respected, regardless of their background or position. Celebrate diversity and create opportunities for everyone to contribute.
- Support and resources – As a company, team leaders can boost additional benefits for their team members, such as training programs, workshops, and mental health support. These small investments can influence higher retention, productivity, and growth in business metrics. Another way to support employees’ mental health is to schedule a brief 5-minute mindfulness session on teams’ calendars to reduce the stigma around mental health internally.
- Recognize and reward positive behavior – Acknowledge and reward employees who contribute to a psychologically safe environment. This can reinforce positive behaviors and encourage others to follow suit.
The Role of Calmerry in Enhancing Workplace Morale and Mental Health
Starting with COVID-19, when the world was full of challenges and changes, we aimed to provide accessible and quality mental health support. After setting up a platform for individuals, we seek additional interests from companies to support their employees.
Our mental health solution for businesses is designed to support employers in enhancing employee morale and mental health. This solution is best fitted for small and medium-sized businesses.
Here’s how Calmerry can help:
- Tailored mental health programs – We work closely with organizations to develop customized mental health programs that meet the unique needs of their workforce.
- Accessible mental health support – Calmerry offers confidential, 24/7 access to licensed therapists, allowing employees to seek help at their convenience. This ensures that mental health support is always available, reducing the barriers to accessing care.
- Stress management and resilience training – Our platform provides resources and training sessions on stress management, resilience, and coping strategies.
- Promotion of a positive work culture – By integrating Calmerry’s services, employers demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ mental health, fostering a supportive and positive work culture. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and loyalty among employees.
Can you provide examples of companies successfully implementing Calmerry’s B2B online therapy solutions?
James Raynor, a State Farm Insurance Agent in Orange City, FL, noticed rising stress and burnout among his team due to long hours and an “always-on” culture. The pandemic has worsened these issues, threatening workplace stability and efficiency.
James chose Calmerry’s online therapy platform. The program, launched within 2.5 weeks, focused on destigmatizing mental health and providing personalized care through advanced matching algorithms.
The results were transformative. Over 55% of James’s employees used the Calmerry program, compared to the 3% usage rate of traditional EAPs. The convenience of face-to-face video sessions encouraged participation, decreasing stress levels and increasing productivity.
James’s team became more resilient, engaged, and collaborative, creating a healthier, more supportive workplace.
Conclusion
Building a psychologically safe environment means investing in your people, which means investing in your company’s future success. A culture of psychological safety is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization. By prioritizing open communication, inclusivity, and support, companies can foster an environment where employees feel safe expressing themselves and contributing to their fullest potential.
Calmerry supports employers in these efforts by providing accessible, customized mental health solutions that enhance workplace morale and well-being.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let us commit to cultivating psychological safety and supporting the mental well-being of our teams. Together, we can create a brighter, more productive future for all.
Learn more about mental health solutions for your business here.
Related Categories