Have you ever wondered why certain companies effortlessly attract top talent and spark innovation? How do they just get it?
You may wonder how they have so many employees who would never leave, show a positive attitude – in a nutshell their retention is high and so are their profits.
A 2023 Gallup survey found that organizations embracing high levels of psychological safety experienced a 21% increase in productivity.
It turns out that focusing on psychological safety is a game-changer. Progressive companies worldwide are embracing practices that put people first, and the results speak for themselves in terms of workplace well-being, mental health, and workplace safety.
A 2023 Gallup survey found that organizations embracing high levels of psychological safety experienced a 21% increase in productivity.
Deloitte reported in 2022 that companies with robust mental health policies enjoyed a 20% boost in employee satisfaction and retention. These figures represent tangible outcomes that reinforce the WHY of investing in a supportive work culture.
So who are the leaders?
Google’s famed Project Aristotle revealed that when employees feel safe to share ideas and even admit mistakes without fear of judgment, team performance and creativity soar. This approach is proof in the pudding. When a company invests in psychological safety, the benefits extend to every corner of its operations. It shouldn’t be a nice thing to do, or a mandatory one- this is the stuff of success!
Closer to home, Australian tech leader Atlassian has set a new benchmark by making psychological safety an integral part of its culture.
Employee enaggement is up! How? With the promotion of transparent communication along with a supportive environment.
Microsoft is another great example. Under Satya Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft mistakes are fostered as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. I know right? How’s that for flipping the narrative?
This cultural shift has not only enhanced employee growth but also bolstered mental health, making the company a safer, more resilient workplace. Psychological safety as a practice has created a foundation for continuous improvement and personal development.
Salesforce began back in 1999 in a modest San Francisco office, when Marc Benioff and a small group of innovators decided to revolutionise customer relationship management by moving it to the cloud. Over the years, that bold idea is now a global powerhouse, employing over 70,000 people. Salesforce also championsmindfulness training and comprehensive support networks.
These measures have built a workforce that thrives on stuff like open dialogue and mutual respect. Their focus on mental health and workplace wellbeing is a cornerstone of their success, driving both productivity and a safe, inclusive work environment.
In Australia and across the globe, leaders are showing progressive action makes a BIG difference. When we replace outdated workplace norms with environments where every voice matters, psychological safety is more than just a trendy concept.
There are so many ways to enhance your workplace wellbeing strategy.
It doesn’t have to be about making mistakes, there is an entire spectrum of measures and initiatives that can be implemented- and they work, which is just one of the reasons I love what I do so much!
When our team feels secure, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to contribute their best ideas, thrive and drive business forward in a positive direction.
The success stories of Google, Atlassian, Microsoft, and Salesforce remind us that the journey to a thriving workplace starts with a simple but profound shift—prioritising the human element in business.
Next time you step into a workplace that seems to have it all together, consider the possibility that their success lies in a culture where psychological safety is a core value.
If you want to get going with progressive workplace wellbeing- get in touch! This is the stuff The Team Approach is made of!
Sources:
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx
About the Author
Lou Lugsdin
Lou longs for the day when mental health is as routinely discussed as workplace health and safety. She’s determined to reduce the stigma around mental health and cultivate a culture where ‘Connected Conversations’ – organic dialogues promoting positive mental health – are commonplace.
Lou’s journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering belief in the power of human connection. Her story serves as an inspiration for businesses, proof that profit and people not only coexist but flourish together.
Her day-to-day work at the Team Approach is imbued with an array of emotions – excitement, satisfaction, compassion, and more. Each story of transformation, each acknowledgment of positive change, instils in her a sense of profound fulfilment, gratitude, and honour.
Listen to our Podcast
Check out our podcast! We are so excited to be talking all things ‘mentally healthy workplaces’ every Friday EST. Tune to meet and get to know Lou, who is a workplace wellbeing specialist, human behaviour lover & passionate EAP Counsellor. Lou is on a mission to build awareness, understanding, knowledge about mental health and wellness. And Lou wants to make working with a Counsellor as “accepted” as going to the gym is to get physically fit!
Working together for mentally healthy teams
Based on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula in regional Victoria, we travel across greater Geelong and greater Melbourne for in-person training. And we offer online appointments via phone, Zoom and Skype for those who do not live locally. Contact for more information about employee assistance programs (EAP), leadership coaching or team training resources.
We at The Team Approach recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of the Kulin Nation.
office
2/11 Clifton Springs Rd, Drysdale VIC 3222
