As employers strive to retain employees amid declining workplace well-being, leaders must take new approaches to managing employees. Psychological safety, defined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, is “a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.” The concept can also be described as confidence to share ideas or opinions without fear of retaliation.
In today’s workplace, employees desire to feel a sense of purpose. According to Gartner, 82% say it’s important to be seen as a person by their organization. Workers want more from their jobs, according to Gartner’s “The Human Deal,” including:
- Deeper connections
- Radical flexibility
- Personal growth
- Holistic well-being
- Shared purpose
Stages of Psychological Safety
Psychological safety can meet the needs of what employees want at work. When workers can share ideas, safely make mistakes, and bring their authentic selves to work each day, they can do their best work without fear of taking risks or trying new strategies. The four stages of psychological safety are outlined on BetterUp.com: inclusion safety, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety.
Leaders can promote psychological safety in many ways. The National Safety Council, which found a correlation between psychological safety and physical safety in a survey, suggests managers focus on:
- Supporting mental health
- Communicating expectations clearly
- Communicating openly
- Encouraging a mindset of learning
Have you created a work environment that allows your employees to feel psychologically safe? It’s a sensitive question that requires brutal honesty with yourself, but the impact on those who share your workplace can be life-changing.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific advice, consult your physician or other qualified health provider.
About Express
Express Employment International supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and affiliated brands, including Specialized Recruiting Group and Express Healthcare Staffing. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated on October 30, 2025
