Workplace Health and Safety Queensland defines safety culture as “an organisational culture that places a high level of importance on safety beliefs, values and attitudes – and these are shared by the majority of people within the company or workplace”.
Organisations that want to have a true impact on their culture understand that it starts with leadership.
For a safety culture to be successful, it needs to be led from the top – that is, safety culture needs to be embraced and practised by the CEO and senior managers.
Here are some practical ways leaders can bring safety and positive work culture to their organisations.
Psychological Safety is the “belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking” (Amy Edmonson, The Fearless Organization).
When workers feel safe to take these risks, they’re more likely to contribute actively to safety discussions. Leaders at all levels can support this by:
Leaders who consult with workers, demonstrate empathy and vulnerability, and support positive team climates enhance psychological safety. Research has demonstrated that these psychological safety practices improve team performance, creativity, problem-solving and safety outcomes.
Better relationships increase the likelihood that people will behave in a way that will achieve the safety goals articulated in the company values.
A role model sets an example of behaviour. They understand that their words and actions are often mirrored by others.
Leaders of all levels should model the behaviours and attitudes they want to see in the workplace. This is not just the responsibility of HR or Safety teams. Encourage leaders, managers and supervisors to be visible role models who set the tone for a culture of open communication, respect, and well-being. Here are some suggestions:
Managers play an essential role in supporting staff resilience and well-being. Studies show that mental health training for managers generally improves workers’ mental health in the short term, especially when widely adopted across the organisation. You can cultivate an environment of personal and professional growth by making training accessible to all.
Regular, positive and clear communication is crucial for reinforcing a safety culture.Â
When employees feel comfortable asking for help, sharing suggestions informally, or challenging the status quo without fear of negative social consequences, organizations are more likely to innovate quickly, unlock the benefits of diversity, and adapt well to change.
Building a safety culture is an ongoing commitment.
For a safety culture to thrive, it must be integrated into every element of a business, championed by leaders, and practised at all levels.Â
Leaders who prioritise psychological safety and demonstrate a real commitment to the well-being and growth of their workers can build a resilient, adaptive workplace that promotes safety and is a great place to work.
Better relationships increase the likelihood that people will behave in a way that will achieve the safety goals articulated in the company values.
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