The Importance of Ensuring Psychological Safety in the Workplace

In recent years, occupational health and safety (OH&S) has expanded and now it also includes the concept of psychological safety in the workplace. This refers to the extent to which employees feel comfortable expressing their opinions, making mistakes, and taking risks without a fear of negative consequences. Psychological safety has been shown to have a direct impact on productivity, profitability, engagement, inclusion, and job-related stressors or psychosocial hazards, as well as positive mental health outcomes.

Shared Responsibility for Maintaining and Enhancing Psychological Safety

Creating a psychologically safe workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. Employers have an important role to play in removing hazards or reducing risks, and employees have a responsibility to prioritize their own well-being and that of their colleagues.

Guidelines for Employers

Construction company owners should take some steps to promote psychological safety in the workplace, such as,

– Investing in the professional and personal development of managers and supervisors to provide an example for others to follow

– De-stigmatizing mental health and addiction issues through open and honest communication

– Establishing a foundation for collaborative engagement by co-creating the company’s principles and values with employees

Advice for Workers

Employees can also take certain steps to prioritize their own well-being and that of their colleagues, such as;

– Choosing an accountability partner to discuss mental health issues on a regular basis and work together to find healthy solutions

– Establishing a routine for these discussions, such as meeting at lunch or coordinating schedules

– Being patient and persistent in developing healthy habits, recognizing that it may take time to see the benefits

Prioritizing Psychological Safety as an Investment in Future Productivity

Although prioritizing psychological safety may seem to go against the construction industry’s production mindset, it is actually an investment in future productivity improvements. Employers and employees should work together to identify and address the underlying causes of any mental health problems in their specific context, rather than relying on generic information about job stress. By prioritizing psychological safety, construction companies can create a positive work environment that benefits everyone involved.