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Psychological safety in the workplace

Learn how to build psychological safety at work and help employees feel heard, respected and able to contribute.

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What employers can do

Psychological safety develops through everyday behaviour, effective leadership and fair workplace systems.

Here are some ways you can build psychological safety in your workplace:

Set clear expectations and lead by example

Explain why questions, ideas and concerns matter. Make respectful challenge a normal part of work. Be clear that bullying and unfair treatment will not be accepted.

As a leader, admit when you are unsure, share lessons from mistakes and thank people who challenge your thinking. Stay calm when someone raises difficult information.

Create opportunities for employees to speak up

Provide regular opportunities for employees to ask questions, share ideas and raise concerns.

Use one-to-one conversations, team discussions, surveys and feedback sessions to understand how employees feel and identify areas for improvement.
Make sure employees know how to report whistleblowing concerns, grievances and serious complaints.

Respond positively when people speak up

Listen without interrupting or rushing to blame. Explain who will deal with the issue, what will happen next and when the employee can expect an update.

Act quickly and fairly

If something goes wrong, ask what happened, what contributed to it and what needs to change. Review the facts before deciding whether it was a mistake, a problem with the system or misconduct.

Take immediate action if someone raises a serious safety or safeguarding risk, possible serious misconduct or a risk of further harm.

Make inclusion part of everyday practice

Make sure everyone has a fair chance to share their views and provide accessible ways for people to speak up.

Share agendas in advance and allow people to comment before, during and after meetings. Stop interruptions, challenge disrespectful behaviour and make sure remote participants can contribute.

Support managers and use available resources

Help managers develop skills in area that can support psychological safety. This can include:

  • listening, coaching and feedback
  • inclusive management
  • difficult conversations
  • work-related stress
  • complaints and whistleblowing

The Improvement Cymru Academy Psychological Safety Toolkit provides further guidance for health and care workplaces. Employers in other sectors can also learn from the practical tools and good practice it contains.

Psychological Safety Week takes place in September. You can use these Psychological Safety Week resources to promote the campaign in your workplace.

Access free support from Healthy Working Wales

Use our free Employer Survey Tool to review your current approach and get suggested next steps.
Employers in Wales can also access free, one-to-one Workplace Adviser Support after completing the survey.

Page last reviewed: 4th September 2026