Foster an environment that supports mental health

Through the Psychological Safety in the Workplace training course, individuals discover how they can advocate for themselves in the workplace and contribute to a respectful and supportive work environment.

Psychological Safety in the Workplace

This 2-hour, live, facilitated online course is designed for anybody who works in the construction industry, whether you are a leader or a crew member on a worksite.

Creating an Acceptable Workplace Culture makes sense when we understand the impact of unacceptable behaviour. It’s important to have a clear grasp of how physical safety, productivity, retention, individual mindset, attitude, teamwork and time management are affected when workplace culture is (or isn’t) functioning to its highest potential. Through the Psychological Safety in the Workplace training course, individuals discover how they can advocate for themselves in the workplace and contribute to a respectful and supportive work environment.

Course Summary:

  • Defining psychological safety.
  • Understanding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and their impact.
  • Understanding and addressing key barriers to inclusivity (eg. bias, stereotyping, microaggessions)
  • Learning how to be an active bystander: advocating for yourself and others.
  • Respectful communication.
  • Fostering mental health through positive workplace culture – we all have a role to play.
  • Q&A/Discussions/Exercises/Handouts included.

Course Outcomes:

  • Understand how negative behaviors pose psychological/physical safety risks.
  • Identify and address barriers that can prevent a positive and respectful workplace.
  • Discover ways to take an active role in intervening when unacceptable behaviour occurs.
  • Learn how you can contribute to a respectful work environment.
This course is approved by BC Housing for Continual Professional Development (CPD) credits
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FAQS

Psychological safety in the workplace is a workplace culture where all employees feel valued, accepted, and respected. It ensures that employees can voice ideas, concerns, or questions without fear of shame, retaliation, or negative consequences. Employers who prioritize psychological safety in the workplace (1) foster an environment where success and good performance are celebrated, and (2) the physical and mental wellbeing of every individual is safeguarded.

This approach encourages collaboration, innovation, and trust, empowering workers to contribute openly and confidently. Psychological safety is a cornerstone of an acceptable worksite culture, helping to build respectful, productive, and inclusive worksites in the construction industry. 

Psychological safety in the workplace  is crucial for fostering a respectful and acceptable workplace culture in construction. It creates an environment where workers can focus on safety and productivity without the distraction of unacceptable behavior. In simple terms, when workers feel safe to share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback without fear of retaliation, it drives innovation, learning, and growth.

A psychologically safe workplace promotes open communication and collaboration, enabling teams to work effectively together. Additionally, psychological health and safety in the workplace supports inclusivity and diversity, improving worker retention, engagement, and satisfaction. Ultimately, a respectful and supportive environment attracts skilled workers that can grow into their roles and feel safe to be themselves. 

Psychological safety in the workplace can be measured through employee surveys, feedback sessions, and workplace observations. Employers can use surveys to assess perceptions of trust, respect, and openness, asking employees if they feel safe to speak up, share ideas, or admit mistakes without fear of ridicule or reprisal. Anonymous feedback tools can also encourage honesty and help identify areas for improvement.

Additionally, leaders could observe team dynamics during meetings and projects — healthy debate and collaborative problem-solving often indicate psychological safety in the workplace. Finally, track turnover rates, incident reports, and absenteeism, as these can signal underlying cultural issues.

Improving psychological health and safety in the workplace begins with fostering a culture of respect, trust, and open communication. Employers should establish clear behavioral expectations through workplace Code of Conduct Policies, or the Builders Code Acceptable Workplace Pledge. Training programs focused on diversity, inclusion, and conflict resolution can also help employees understand and uphold these values.

Leadership plays a crucial role — managers must lead by example, actively listening and addressing concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. Additionally, worksite leaders should regularly check in with employees, recognize contributions, and provide constructive feedback whenever necessary. This will ultimately help nurture psychological health and safety in the workplace and a positive workplace culture. 

Psychological safety is vital in the construction industry because it fosters a culture where workers feel respected, valued, and free to voice concerns without fear of retaliation. This is essential in a high-risk environment where open communication can prevent accidents, enhance teamwork, and improve problem-solving. For example, if a worker feels safe pointing out a potential hazard, such as unstable scaffolding, their feedback could prevent a serious incident.

Beyond safety, psychological safety in the workplace boosts morale, reduces turnover, and attracts a skilled workforce by showcasing a commitment to respectful and acceptable workplace culture. A psychologically safe site is ultimately a productive and successful one, where all employees feel safe to be themselves.