If you are a Leader in Victoria, you may have heard of the proposed regulatory changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (2017). Basically, the changes include an increased focus on ensuring workplaces are psychologically safe. It’s a bit of a ‘watch this space’ situation. You can register for updates here- legislation@worksafe.vic.gov.au and find out more here.
The belief that you can speak up without the risk of punishment or humiliation.
When your workplace is safe for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, and mistakes.
You are confident that your voice is valued.
A shared belief that the environment is conducive to interpersonal risks, like asking for help, admitting a mistake, or criticising a project.
About creating that environment for people to speak up.
It is not freedom from conflict.
It doesn’t mean that all of your ideas will be applauded.
It’s not permission to slack off.
It's not a license to whine.
It's not oversharing.
It's not about being ‘nice ‘or soft.
It’s not about holding back on something you think might be unpleasant.
Psychological Safety happens in an environment where learning can occur, where confronting, challenging, and open conversations can happen without damaging relationships. Psychological Safety about creating a culture where people know they can offer and receive feedback. Are you having feedback conversations that allow space for reflection, questions, raising previously unspoken concerns and seeing mistakes as learning opportunities?
Psychological Safety is needed so your feedback conversations can include exploring, confronting, challenging, and having open conversations.
‘Giving and receiving feedback happens best in a psychologically safe environment’.