Dear Prime Minister,
Congratulations on your recent appointment. I know it has been a long time coming for you, and your success underscores the value of hard work, listening to the voice of the people (actually listening) and laying solid foundations.
I was particularly heartened by your statement regarding your commitment to ensuring dignity and respect in workplaces across our nation.
This resonates deeply with the mission we uphold at the Psychological Safety Institute.
At the Institute, our mission is crystal clear: we are dedicated to creating work environments where people thrive. We do this by challenging and transforming outdated workplace attitudes and cultures.
There’s a misconception that psychological safety is limited to promoting interpersonal risk-taking and encouraging a speak-up culture. However, its scope is far broader.
Psychological safety encompasses an individual’s subjective experience of safety, comfort and confidence within a specific context. It refers to how safe and at ease you feel in various settings, be it physical spaces, environments, situations or interactions with others.
We firmly believe the key to achieving dignity and respect in the workplace hinges on rooting out toxic cultures and identifying hotspots where individuals may feel unsafe or marginalized. It’s about empowering employees with the skills and tools they need to thrive, both professionally and personally.
Dignity and respect naturally emerge in psychologically safe workplaces, as does belonging and inclusion. Psychological safety is a prerequisite for creating environments where dignity and respect authentically thrive as fundamental values.
Your manifesto’s commitment to creating workplaces where every individual can expect to be treated with dignity and respect deeply resonates with our mission. Your bold statements in this area are commendable and necessary steps towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
As you take on this significant task of leading our nation forward, please know that the Psychological Safety Institute stands ready to support your efforts. Whether through advice, consultation, collaboration or sharing our expertise, we are here to assist in any way possible.
In due course, you will hear from us regarding embedding psychological safety into workplace legislation. Our aim is clear: to lead the way, set the standard and show other nations how it’s done. We stand ready to spearhead global change in this critical initiative.
Wishing you and your government every success in achieving our collective goals: a safer, more inclusive country.
Yours sincerely,
Gina Battye
CEO and Founder
Psychological Safety Institute
