How can compassionate leadership help to build psychological safety at work?

Hello readers – it’s Thursday afternoon and we're back with a new edition of JustBeing... 

So, whether you’re reading this during your afternoon break, or are researching psychological safety as a topic of interest, join us this week where we’ll be talking about... 

(1) The importance of compassion to create a psychologically safe space at work 

(2) What leaders can be doing right now to build psychological safety in the workplace 

Firstly, we want to ask a question to you... What is compassion to you? 

Compassion is an understanding of someone’s feelings. Being empathetic and wanting to help someone you see going through a challenging time. 

Fostering compassion can have so many positive effects on our wellbeing and can give us the power to approach situations differently. 

Positive effects include greater life satisfaction, happiness, as well as reduced anxiety and increased motivation, as well as many more... 

Which according to positive psychologists, is because we foster connections that are meaningful. And is essential for developing kind relationships, that are of high quality. 

So, what is psychological safety and why is it so important for teams to build at work? 

Psychological safety refers to an environment which allows employees to feel comfortable to express their thoughts and ideas, whilst developing a trustful and respectful working climate. 

And is a critical aspect for establishing relationships and innovation. 

Psychological safety essentially helps to create an inclusive workforce and even reduces the likelihood of employees leaving their job. 

So, by building this at work, it allows employees to feel like they can ask for help and feel confident to bring ideas to the table, without being worried about a negative reaction or fear of failure. 

This is as well as improving specific organisational outcomes too. Such as engagement and job performance... 

And, as found in research findings, even positive ageing, social connections and better wellbeing. 

Now, how can compassion help to build psychological safety at work? 

Well, the quality of teamwork connections and leadership are so important... 

Especially when creating a positive and diverse workforce and environment. 

Interestingly, studies have shown that compassionate leadership is the key here. 

Being that, with the right motivation, empowerment, mutual respect and trust, along with clear shared visions, employers can help to build a safe environment for employees. 

And a space which is inspiring and provides high-quality support. 

Here’s 5 things leadership should be doing right now, to benefit their teams and organisational environment... 

1. Focus on boundaries – Take into consideration your staff. What circumstances are personal and important to them. Co-ordinate your decisions to what the employee values.

2. Team discussions – Look at what is challenging for your team right now. Discuss and find new ways to effectively get the work done and use a more efficient and constructive approach.

3. Share your experiences – Employees want to hear that it’s ok to have challenges. Make sure to discuss ways that you have overcome/dealt with different challenges.

4. Constructive feedback – When talking to your team, give constructive feedback. This will allow them to build and encourage growth.

5. Praising – Praise your team along the way. Encourage perseverance.

Interestingly, psychological safety can also help to boost belonging in the workplace. 

It makes employees feel supported and can even be seen as a priority to help retain and connect teams. 

So, over to you... What other benefits does psychological safety have on individuals? What else should leadership be doing to build psychological safety at work?