Understanding the Experience of Psychological and Cultural Safety in the Workplace

Everyone experiences work place safety, or lack of, in their own unique ways. However, it is important to understand the broad trends that surround the experience for psychological and cultural safety more generally and how they may be experienced by employees. Understanding these experiences helps us to make connections to our own lives and lived experiences.

How Do People Experience Psychological and Cultural Safety?

Psychological and Cultural Safety in the workplace can create an environment where people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds can feel respected and safe — spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically — from discrimination and denial of their identity and needs. In a psychologically/culturally safe environment, employees feel a sense of belonging when they are accepted and valued for who they are, regardless of their cultural background. They feel that their contributions are recognized and appreciated. Employees feel that they have equal opportunities for growth and development, regardless of their cultural background. They feel that their skills and abilities are recognized and rewarded. Employees feel that their colleagues have a basic understanding of their culture and respect it. They feel that their colleagues are open to learning about different cultures. Employees feel safe from discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on their cultural background. They feel that they can be themselves without fear of negative consequences. Employees feel that their cultural traditions and celebrations are respected and valued. They feel that they can share their cultural practices with others.

How Do Indigenous Employees Experience Psychological and Cultural Safety?

Cultural Safety shares common elements with Psychological Safety but focuses on the ability of employees to bring their complete selves to work, encompassing their cultural identities.

Crucial components of Cultural Safety for Indigenous employees include Belongingness and Voice, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and recognition as valued team members in the workplace. Fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly challenging for organizations due to historical factors and societal biases. Workplace practices often rooted in colonial theories may not align with Indigenous cultural values. The significance of belonging extends beyond the workplace, impacting not only the individual employees but also the well-being of their families and communities.

While some Indigenous values align with mainstream organizational theories, many workplaces are structured around colonial values that don’t reflect Indigenous values. This misalignment contributes to unfulfilling work conditions for Indigenous employees. Creating a sense of belonging and recognizing cultural identity is pivotal in establishing culturally safe workplaces that benefit employees and their broader communities.