“Psychological safety at work is a shared belief by members of a team that it’s okay to take risks, express their ideas and concerns, to speak up with questions, and to admit mistakes - all without fear of negative consequences.” -  Amy Edmondson 

Our recent newsletter and CEO & Founder, Mac Alonge's article discussed the anti-edi (equality, diversity and inclusion) rhetoric that has been increasing over the past several months. This attitude towards EDI initiatives and conversations may be enhanced by what once was an aim to create safe & inclusive workplaces, now a place of uncomfortable silence. 

‍Research shows that a ‘safe space’ at work creates an environment where colleagues can thrive, allowing for open communication. A ‘safe space’ can mean anything from the ability to present an idea without fear of judgement to speaking out about unfair treatment, discrimination etc. 

For a long time we have focused on ensuring everyone has the opportunity to speak up, focusing on changing statistics that have evidenced the lack of awareness for varied voices and opinions; 

• Black women of Caribbean heritage, and women of East Asian and Chinese heritage were the least likely to report ‘often’ or ‘always’ feeling comfortable in their workplace culture, at 43% and 41%, respectively. (Broken Ladders, 2022)
• A quarter of employees have left a role or are considering doing so because of expressing their views (Savanta, 2023)

Although important statistics, where we once focused on ensuring everyone had the opportunity to speak up, we have moved towards a space where opposing views are feared and only the loudest have the stand. 

We are experiencing a time where information is often sought through social media; with 81.7% of Northern Europe using social media daily, a new fear has developed of ‘cancel culture’. 

Can you truly speak freely, and openly, if we are living in a time where you can be ‘cancelled’ so quickly for speaking out if the view opposes a louder and more prevalent voice; social media influencers, higher social status over more traditionally louder voices (CEOs and business leaders).

What once were safe spaces encouraging an opportunity for all to share their views are now spaces of awkward silence as many fear saying ‘the wrong thing’. During a time where assumptions can result in your face plastered over social media as insensitive, passive aggressive or just offensive, people are no longer trying to learn or educate, they are simply shutting people down. 

Should we not be trying to encourage learning? Open dialogue? Debates with differing viewpoints? Or can one wrong phrase ruin your career…

How can anyone wish to progress if you are not allowing an opportunity for them to learn? 

Is it ok to say the wrong thing? Yes. 

Is it ok to have a different perspective? Yes. 

Can we make a genuine mistake or not have full understanding but be willing to listen and understand what needs to be done differently? Yes.

A safe space should be a safe space for all. Not just the loudest and boldest in the room. Allow opportunity for learning. 

Have you experienced or witnessed an unintentional mistake being blown out of proportion? What could have been done differently by either party to ensure learning was encouraged? 

Visit www.theequalgroup.com/book-a-consultation to discuss with a member of our team about creating ‘truly’ safe spaces. 

‍