Psychological Health and Safety – Page 2

Balance

Balance Acceptance of the need for a sense of harmony between the demands of personal life, family and work, and the recognition that everyone has multiple roles outside of work. “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.” - Sigmund Freud Overview What is balance? Balance is present in a work environment where there is acceptance of the need for a sense of harmony between the demands of personal life, family and work. This reflects the fact that everyone has multiple roles: as workers, parents, partners, etc. This complexity of roles is enriching and allows fulfillment of individual strengths and responsibilities, but conflicting responsibilities can lead to role conflict or overload. An organization with good balance would be able to state that: The organization encourages workers to take their entitled breaks (e.g. lunchtime, sick time, vacation time, earned days [...]

Margret Owens2023-01-19T10:12:01-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Psychological protection

Psychological protection Refers to the psychological safety of workers and is demonstrated when workers feel able to put themselves on the line, ask questions, seek feedback, report mistakes and problems or propose a new idea without fearing negative consequences to themselves, their job or their career. “With care and protection, with safe havens in the ocean, there is still a good chance that we can turn things around.” - Sulvia Earle Overview What is psychological protection? Psychological protection is present in a work environment where workers’ psychological safety is ensured. Workplace psychological safety is demonstrated when workers feel able to put themselves on the line, ask questions, seek feedback, report mistakes and problems or propose a new idea without fearing negative consequences to themselves, their job or their career. A psychologically safe and healthy organization actively promotes emotional well-being among workers while taking all [...]

Margret Owens2021-04-13T19:10:43-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Protection of physical safety

Protection of physical safety Is present when a workers’ psychological, as well as physical safety, is protected from hazards and risks related to the worker’s physical environment. “At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.” - Jodi Rell Overview What is protection of physical safety? Protection of physical safety is present when a worker's psychological, as well as physical safety, is protected from hazards and risks related to the worker’s physical environment. An organization that protects physical safety would be able to state that: The organization cares about how the physical work environment impacts mental health. Workers feel safe (not concerned or anxious) about the physical work environment. The way work is scheduled allows for reasonable rest periods. All health and safety concerns are taken seriously. Workers asked to do work that they believe is [...]

Margret Owens2023-02-22T11:01:57-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Psychologically safe leadership

Psychologically safe leadership Leaders in the workplace should be trained to promote health and safety. Psychologically safe leadership The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace recognizes and states the need for organizations to ensure that those in leadership positions have the training and skills to “prevent psychological harm, promote psychological health of workers and address problems related to psychological health and safety.” The Standard equally advises organizations to regularly assess and address leaders’ competencies as they apply to psychologically safe leadership. Learn more in the resource centre blog. Psychologically safe leadership comprises five key domains. Click on each domain below to learn more.

Margret Owens2026-05-04T07:29:27-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Communication and collaboration

Communication and collaboration The clear and transparent exchange of information, and collaborative efforts to support each workers’ success at work. “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” - Helen Keller. Overview What is communication and collaboration? Communication and collaboration involves the clear exchange of information and transparent discussion of what a worker needs to do their job successfully. This involves collaborative efforts to support each worker’s success. Why is communication and collaboration important? There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in communication and collaboration: Workers have clarity about what they need to do. Tasks are more likely to be executed correctly. There is enhanced clarity around priorities - at both the team and individual level. The chances of miscommunication and errors are reduced. Each worker’s potential is optimized. Challenges, when they [...]

Margret Owens2023-02-22T11:02:15-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Social intelligence

Social intelligence Involves being a role model and facilitator of psychologically safe interactions between and among all workplace partners. "A role model in the flesh provides more than just inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, ‘Yes, someone like me can do this" - Sonia Sotomayor Overview What is social intelligence? Social intelligence involves being a role model and facilitator of psychologically safe interactions between and among all workplace partners, including those who are marginalized or vulnerable. How does social intelligence contribute to psychologically safe leadership? There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in social intelligence: Stressors and challenges at work do not have to necessarily lead to absence when effectively addressed and managed. Workers with mental health difficulties will reach out earlier for [...]

Margret Owens2026-04-15T08:37:56-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Problem solving and conflict management

Problem solving and conflict management Involves supporting and requiring consistent, respectful and effective discussion and resolution of issues when they arise. “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” - Albert Einstein Overview What is problem solving and conflict management? Problem solving and conflict management involves supporting and requiring consistent, respectful and effective discussion and resolution of issues when they arise. Those who fail to do so are held accountable as needed. Why is problem solving and conflict management important? There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in problem solving and conflict management: Helps ensure perceptions of fairness are sustained. Keeps team morale high. Enhances the likelihood that conflict becomes productive. Workers are consistently held accountable for their actions. Challenges can be addressed and resolved effectively. Risk of more serious [...]

Margret Owens2023-02-22T11:02:45-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Security and safety

Security and safety Involves supporting a safe environment through proactive, prompt and effective responses to any threats to psychological, physical or professional safety. “Safety brings first aid to the uninjured.” - F.S. Hughes Overview What is security and safety? Security and safety involves supporting a safe environment through proactive, prompt and effective responses to any threats to psychological, physical or professional safety. Why is security and safety important? There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in security and safety: The risk of critical incidents is reduced or even eliminated. Stress-related absences, illnesses and injuries are prevented. There is enhanced loyalty from workers and retention rates are increased. Trust in leadership is increased. Learn more about security and safety in the resource centre blog. FAQs Show respect for the fact that [...]

Margret Owens2021-04-13T19:46:29-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Fairness and integrity

Fairness and integrity Leadership which is honest, transparent and consistent, where there is fairness and equity in decision-making and humble understanding of personal limitations and biases. “The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Overview What is fairness and integrity? Fairness and integrity involves leadership which is honest, transparent and consistent, where there is fairness and equity in decision-making and humble understanding of personal limitations and biases. Why is fairness and integrity important? There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in fairness and integrity: Enhances all workers’ trust in leadership. Reduces and eliminates discrimination. Problematic worker issues are addressed proactively. Workers are much more likely to want to do their best work. Enhances the likelihood that teams are [...]

Margret Owens2021-04-13T19:49:38-06:00November 25th, 2020|

Tools and resources for leaders

Tools and resources for leaders Working for psychologically safe leaders improves job satisfaction, workplace relationships and psychological well-being. Tools & resources for leaders Leaders play a critical role in the psychological health and safety of any organization. Enhancing psychologically safe leadership skills enhances workplace well-being, and leads to reductions in sick leaves and early retirements by disability pension. Those who work for psychologically safe leaders are more likely to report higher job satisfaction and engagement, better workplace relationships and better psychological well-being. As such, organizations should ensure their people leaders have the skills necessary to lead in a psychologically safe manner. The following tools are publicly available to help leaders begin their journey towards leading in a psychologically safe manner. The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace requires [...]

Margret Owens2026-07-23T09:24:44-06:00November 25th, 2020|