I was recently discussing the benefits of psychological safety. The person I was speaking to talked through the benefits for their employees, specifically around a happier workplace, where people can be themselves and express themselves without fear of repercussions. All of this, when managed well, will improve workplace mental health, employee engagement and retention and productivity.
However they were less clear on what the benefits were for their business and linking it through the lens of commercial success too…
In my business unit, which was recognised as 'North Star’ within the John Lewis Partnership for employee engagement, my leadership team understood why psychological safety was important and that it was everyones’ responsibility to establish a safe space culture.Â
With a defined structure for regularly hearing ‘the voice of the partner(employee)’ which was identifiable and accessible to all partners, in addition to ad-hoc discussion when needed, this created a solution oriented mindset within my team. Problems became solutions and energy and momentum could focus on resolving and moving forward to maintain focus on business goals.Â
In summary: Safe Space benefits employees' mental health and engagement, allows concerns to be raised, enables more diverse thinking within teams, supports ideas for innovation, business opportunities and commercial improvement.Â
Final thought: Safe space will create a happier workplace and who doesn’t want to be happy at work?!
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