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What is psychological safety at work?? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Psychological safety is the belief that you can speak up, ask a question, share an idea or admit a mistake without worrying that you'll be embarrassed, judged or punished.
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  SPEAKER_00: It's about feeling safe to take small social risks around the people you work with.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now many people have held back in a meeting or kept a concern to themselves, which is a very common experience.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if speaking up has ever cost us something in the past, then it makes sense that we'll be more careful moving forward.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, when psychological safety is present at work, people tend to ask for help sooner, give more honest feedback, and learn from mistakes together.
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  SPEAKER_00: Teams often feel closer and more able to bring the whole selves to work as well.
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  SPEAKER_00: And a helpful skill is to gently test your own predictions.
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  SPEAKER_00: So think about what you expect to happen if you do speak up.
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  SPEAKER_00: Then try one small step like asking a single question in a meeting and notice what actually happens.
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  SPEAKER_00: Because each time you're collecting real evidence about your workplace instead of relying on just the worry alone.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now it can also help to ask yourself some questions and think of a time at work when you felt at ease sharing your view.
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  SPEAKER_00: What was different about that moment?
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  SPEAKER_00: Like who was there and what did they do?
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  SPEAKER_00: Because even a small example shows you what safety looks like for you and your own feelings about work are worth taking seriously.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, practical ways to support yourself with this might be to start noticing who and what helps you feel at ease.
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  SPEAKER_00: So it might be a certain colleague, a smaller meeting, or a regular one-to-one, and spend more time in those spaces.
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  SPEAKER_00: You might choose one small step this week, such as sharing a thought in a team chat or asking a question out loud, and afterwards just take a moment to acknowledge that you did it.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if you lead or influence others, thank people when they raise a concern or admit a mistake, because that simple response can tell a team that honesty is welcome.
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  SPEAKER_00: Also consider who you could talk to.
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  SPEAKER_00: So this might be a trusted colleague, a mentor or your manager.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if worry about speaking up is affecting your sleep, your mood or workplace behaviours, then it might be worth reaching out to a therapist or your workplace employee assistance program if they do have one.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you can also refer back to the app's resources on psychological safety for further support.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if you are thinking about harming yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.