What is Psychological Safety?
Psychological safety is an environment in which people feel accepted and supported, can express themselves without fear of negative consequences, and are encouraged to take risks without feeling embarrassed or judged. It is commonly associated with the workplace, where it can significantly affect employee satisfaction and job performance, but psychological safety can also be found in homes, schools, teams, and other social settings. The concept of psychological safety has been increasingly present in the workplace over the last few decades, due to the realization that employees who feel accepted and supported tend to be motivated, engaged, and more productive. The stress and anxiety that often accompany the fear of failure or criticism can be eliminated in an environment of safety and respect, providing a sense of security that leads to greater levels of collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking. Psychological safety includes freedom of expression and openness to dialogue, enabl...