Learning how to create supportive team environments means learning how to create safety and trust with our team members. Before we begin, we need to understand what it means to strive towards creating a psychologically safe workplace.

Defining 'Psychologically Safe Workplaces"

The concept of psychologically safe workplaces is one that has been growing nationally for years through the release of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.  

A psychologically safe workplace is one that “promotes employees' psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to employee psychological health due to negligent, reckless or intentional acts.”

Managing Stress and Mental Health Instructor Workbook. 

This optional activity requires you to read the article below and then connect with the rest of your staff team to discuss and debrief.

Working in a team environment can come with its share of challenges; leading a team can also add another layer to the challenge. There are many ways to work towards positive team dynamics. Take a few minutes and read the following article on a study conducted by Google on high-performing teams. Share this article with your team and discuss it as a group. 

Article: High Performing Teams Need Psychological Safety. Here’s How to Create It

How can you utilize what has been discussed to have a positive impact on your own team culture? 

At your next team meeting, build in time to go over the following exercises together to help set the tone for creating a safe workplace and create a set of Team Guidelines and Team Resources. 

1. Team Guidelines

Reflection Questions:

• What needs to exist before you feel you can trust another with your own thoughts and feelings? 
• What does safety look like to you? 

If you are in a group setting, first, complete the reflection questions individually. Then, pair up with someone and find commonalities. Finally, as a group, discuss and create team guidelines. Some examples of guidelines may include: 

• Remaining non-judgmental
• Approach suggestions with an open mind
• Respect one another

If you are reviewing on your own, answer these reflection questions in your Instructor Workbook. 

2. Team Resources

As a team, brainstorm what support resources are available to employees through the workplace, university and community to support your mental health. 

Use this table to shape the conversation and record your whole team's responses.