What is psychological safety?
Psychological safety at work means team members feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and admitting mistakes without fear of judgement or punishment. It encourages people to share their thoughts, try new things and be honest about challenges.
In our company, this kind of safety plays a crucial role in performance. When people feel supported, they’re more open, more creative and more willing to contribute their best work. Research by Dr Amy Edmondson, who introduced the concept, shows that psychological safety is a key factor in team learning and effectiveness. Let’s see how.
Why psychological safety matters at work
It encourages better ideas
Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety at work was the most important element in building successful teams. People are more likely to share ideas when they know they won’t be shut down or embarrassed. Great solutions come from open dialogue and the freedom to explore different approaches.
It makes feedback more effective
Teams with high psychological safety are more engaged and receptive to feedback. When trust is in place, feedback becomes a tool for growth rather than a source of stress.
It builds stronger teams
McKinsey & Company’s research shows that teams with strong psychological safety experience higher performance and lower employee burnout. When people trust their team and feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and contribute at their full potential.
It supports diversity and inclusion
Psychological safety supports a work environment where every voice is valued. A Harvard Business Review article explains how it helps people from different backgrounds and roles participate equally in decision-making. This kind of inclusive, supportive work environment is essential for innovation.
How we create psychological safety at Conn3cted
What other teams can learn
When teams don’t feel safe speaking up, problems get buried and potential goes untapped. Creating psychological safety at work takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. Stronger ideas, deeper trust, and better collaboration grow from a culture built on respect and openness.
Building better teams, one day at a time
Work culture doesn’t come from policy documents or onboarding slides. It’s shaped in the way we treat each other, in every meeting, message and moment.
As part of our approach at Conn3cted, we focus on creating an environment where people feel safe to be themselves. Psychological safety and a supportive work environment are at the core of how we grow as a team and deliver great digital products together.