Psychological Safety:

New empirical evidence underscores the importance of psychological safety as dominant factor in whether a team is able to be characterized as successful. Most high-performing teams are characterised by their openness to admitting mistakes and engaging in constructive discussions. This culture of continuous learning and improvement fosters creativity, innovation, and groundbreaking problem-solving. Individuals within these teams feel empowered to take risks and make mistakes without fear of ridicule or rejection, ultimately driving team success. This insight has prompted a shift away from the notion of putting on a ‘work face’ at the office, as true psychological safety requires the freedom to share vulnerabilities and engage in difficult conversations without fear of repercussions. Embracing authenticity and openness in the workplace is essential for cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration, leading to enhanced team performance and success.

Effective problem-solving and decision-making rely on diversity of perspective, collaboration, and innovation. However, if employees feel apprehensive about speaking up, making mistakes, or taking risks, the quality of solutions and decisions may suffer. In psychologically safe environments, individuals are liberated from concerns about managing impressions and can focus more on productive work. Fortunately, the behaviors that foster psychological safety—such as conversational turn-taking and empathy—are integral to establishing bonds, both in personal and professional contexts. Recognising the significance of human connections in the workplace is paramount, as these bonds often hold greater importance in work environments. Therefore, efforts are needed to acknowledge and rectify dehumanized or overly corporatised work environments, prioritising employee well-being and employee contributions to the team.