Psychological safety: A key to human well-being and a sustainable work environment

Psychological safety: A key to human well-being and a sustainable work environment

Psychological safety is a crucial factor for human well-being and survival. It affects our ability to feel safe, valued and able to cope with life's challenges. By understanding and promoting psychological safety, we can create environments that support our mental and physical health and improve our social relationships and productivity. This creates the foundation for a society where innovation, creativity and human connection can flourish.

What is psychological safety?

Psychological safety, also known as psychological security, refers to a work environment or group setting where members feel safe to take risks without fear of negative consequences to their self-image, status or career. It means that people in a group can talk openly about their thoughts, feelings and opinions, ask questions, admit mistakes and take initiative without fear of humiliation, rejection or punishment.

Evolutionary perspective

Humans have survived since ancient times by belonging to a tribe that provided protection from danger. Unlike monkeys who find safety in the trees, human survival has always depended on social cohesion. Our brains are coded to be constantly on guard against threats and to seek safety in social groups. Being excluded from the tribe could mean certain death, similar to being thrown into the lion's mouth. Therefore, we have developed the ability to decode other people's intentions and emotions to secure our place in the group.

Amygdala and the primordial brain

The amygdala, part of our primal brain, plays a central role in detecting danger and triggering the body's stress responses. This small, almond-shaped structure is essential to our ability to respond quickly to threats. When we experience psychological safety, the amygdala is less active, promoting a state of calm and stability. However, if we feel threatened or unsafe, amygdala activity increases, which can lead to stress and anxiety. https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/viden/naturvidenskab/det-her-sker-i-din-hjerne-under-stress

Strong relationships as the core to a longer and healthier life

In 1938, Harvard Medical School began following 724 men and systematically studied their physical and emotional well-being. Later, their spouses and children were also included in the study. The conclusion is clear:

• People who have safe and close relationships experience greater happiness and better mental and physical health than those with fewer warm relationships.
• People with safe and close relationships live longer.

Close and safe relationships allow us to share the pressures in our lives, reducing our mental alertness and creating balance. For further insights and details, check out Robert Waldinger's inspiring TED Talk: What Makes a Good Life? TED TALK: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness?hasSummary=true

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Investing in relationships

The Harvard study https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org shows that investing in relationships is an investment in our health and overall well-being. It is possible to realize greater potential in people and organizations through improved relational dynamics. Organizations should therefore strengthen the quality of their work relationships and take co-responsibility for creating a healthier and more fulfilling work environment.

Psychological safety in everyday life

When we experience psychological safety, it contributes to emotional stability, positive feelings, self-regulation, improved mental efficiency, better memory and a sense of care for our social connections. This safety also strengthens our resilience and immune system. Conversely, an environment characterized by negative input can lead to anxiety, stress and feelings of being threatened.

Self-image and self-esteem

Humans are naturally inclined to compare themselves to others and seek validation. If we experience support and positive feedback from our surroundings, it increases our self-esteem, confidence and overall well-being. N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) saw self-esteem and the desire to learn as closely linked to participation in the community. Grundtvig's thoughts emphasize how learning and personal development flourish in an environment of psychological safety.

The importance of social skills

Good social skills, including social sensitivity and authentic interest in the opinions and feelings of others, are essential for building and maintaining psychological safety. Teams with high social sensitivity have higher team IQ, which improves their ability to solve complex challenges and work together innovatively and effectively.

Sleep and psychological safety

Research published in the journal Science shows that adequate sleep is a prerequisite for correctly reading other people's emotions and intentions. Sleep deprivation can impair our ability to understand social cues, which can lead to misunderstandings and increased stress. Do you sleep too little? - Then you're not alone. The Danish Health Authority has made new recommendations for sleep duration for all age groups that can be used as a benchmark for how long children, adolescents and adults should sleep. https://www.sst.dk/da/nyheder/2024/Sover-du-for-lidt

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Pioneers in psychological safety

Amy Edmondson(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Edmondson) and Carl Rogers(https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Rogers) are two prominent figures in the understanding and dissemination of psychological safety. Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School, is known for her pioneering work in psychological safety. Since 1999, her research has shown that a work environment where employees feel safe to express their opinions and admit mistakes leads to higher innovation and better team performance. Her efforts have been instrumental in understanding how leaders can create safe environments by promoting open communication and supporting employees' need to feel valued and heard.

Carl Rogers was an American psychologist and one of the founders of humanistic psychology. Active from the 1940s to the 1980s, he is known for his client-centered therapy. Rogers believed that in order for people to develop and thrive, they need to be in an environment where they feel accepted and valued without conditions. He also emphasized the importance of empathic understanding and authentic communication. Rogers' work emphasizes the importance of a non-judgmental, supportive atmosphere where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings, which is central to psychological safety. This focus on empathy and acceptance creates an environment where people can flourish and reach their full potential.

Psychological safety and creativity

Psychological safety increases people's ability to solve challenges, think new and creative thoughts, and have the capacity for empathy and inclusivity for others. When people feel safe, they are more willing to take risks, share innovative ideas and engage in collaborative problem solving. This creates an environment where creativity and innovation thrive and everyone can contribute their unique perspectives without fear of negative consequences.

Psychological safety: The foundation of human well-being

Psychological safety is a fundamental factor for human well-being. It promotes collaboration, innovation and productivity in teams and organizations. By understanding and promoting psychological safety, we can create environments that support our mental and physical health while creating economic value and sustainable growth. 

This kind of safety affects our ability to feel secure, valued and able to handle life's challenges. By creating and maintaining environments that support psychological safety, our social relationships and productivity improve significantly. This creates the foundation for a society where innovation, creativity and human connection can flourish, and where both individual and collective potentials can be fully realized.

Develop strong relationships and the work environment with Mind Balance System

Building on this knowledge of psychological safety, Mind Balance System has developed a comprehensive analysis tool and training programs to improve employees' mental health. Our approach integrates research and practice to help organizations create safe and supportive work environments. The Mind Balance System promotes open communication, trust, and collaboration, leading to higher employee satisfaction and lower staff turnover.

Through our analysis, companies gain in-depth insights into the relational dynamics of the workplace. Together with a certified Mind Balance trainer, companies can implement our tailored training programs designed to strengthen the social skills needed to maintain psychological safety.

By implementing Mind Balance Systems' tools and methods, companies can move closer to a work culture of psychological safety that results in higher innovation, better problem solving and greater employee engagement. Together, let's shape the workplaces of the future to be more sustainable, inclusive and full of opportunities for growth and development.

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