Psychological Safety is taking the business world by storm and transforming organisational cultures across the globe.  

We live in a business world driven by profits, KPIs and lean management processes. Compassion hasn't been high on the agenda - that is until the Covid years forced an emphasis on wellbeing, and thriving organisations were the ones focusing on nurturing and respecting employees rather than just driving for performance.  Ironically, it turns out that employees who feel heard and valued are actually the highest performers, enjoying optimal levels of Psychological Safety, a concept now emerging as a fundamental part of business strategy. 

What is Psychological Safety? 

Harvard Professor Amy Edmondson, who brought the concept of Psychological Safety to the commercial arena with her book, ‘The Fearless Organisation' defines it as the ability to speak up with ideas, concerns, questions and admit mistakes without fear, humiliation, judgement or retribution. Having a culture of true psychological safety means that every voice matters, from senior board level to front line employees.  

There is plenty of evidence to suggest the importance of Psychological Safety in industries where timing and safety are critical, like the case of the Boeing 737 incident in 1977, where a fear of speaking up caused the pilot to make an independent decision, which ultimately cost lives. 

But it's not just about preventing disasters; the benefits are key in any situation where people need to collaborate. A Psychologically Safe culture brings many benefits. 

Innovation and High Performance 

In a 5-year survey (Project Aristotle) of 180 teams, Google discovered that Psychological Safety was the top factor in differentiating their highest performing teams, better customer service, increasing revenue and improving employee retention.  

When employees feel safe to share their thoughts without the fear of being criticised, shut down, or ignored, they are free to think outside the box and hold challenging conversations, which leads to new concepts, improved processes, and overall high-performance. Organisations tap into the collective intelligence of their workforce, bringing the financial gains they seek.   

Inclusion and Wellbeing  

Welcoming differences of opinion brings an inclusive and supportive working environment with reduced stress and burnout that has a positive effect on sick leave and absenteeism, providing significant financial relief to organisations whilst keeping their people happy and healthy. Added to which, job searchers nowadays are actively looking for companies that prioritise wellbeing and healthy working culture, so to attract top talent, Psychological Safety is a necessity.  

Collaboration and Engagement 

Feeling heard and valued is a key need for humans, and nurtures mutual respect, empowerment and trust - key for helping reach one's potential. It's about getting up in the morning and knowing that what you are doing matters; that you are all working together towards something bigger. This sense of purpose leads to fulfilment and increased job satisfaction which in turn boosts engagement and collaboration.  

Core Elements to building Psychological Safety 

There are fundamental practices that leaders can role model to build safety into their organisation.  

  • Invite participation - ask team members ‘what do you think about this decision?' and ‘How could I have done that better?'
  • Embrace the messenger - employ deep listening skills to hear what employees are saying, without becoming defensive or dismissive. Thank each person for speaking up, even if it's about an error or constructive feedback, and celebrate successes regularly.
  • Demonstrate humility and fallibility - admitting one's own mistakes is far from weak. It leads to understanding and learning and is conducive to helping others share their own experiences, which can lead to valuable insights. Vulnerability is strength, as author Brené Brown promotes.
  • Engender compassion - pioneer a culture of open conversation, transparency and authenticity to show your people they matter, and help them meet their needs as well as the needs of the business. But make it genuine - talk the talk AND walk the walk.

It's not all about leaders - everyone has the ability to create or break Psychological Safety for others, so these are skills and practices that are needed across all team members.  

In the ever-evolving challenges of today's fast-paced business world, Psychological Safety is proving to be not a luxury but a necessity. By creating an environment where employees are motivated, feel safe to express themselves, take risks and handle conflicts, businesses can unlock the full potential of their people. It is simply key for organisations looking to thrive in a competitive and changing world. 

Penny Newton-Hurley is the founder of CommPassion Ltd, a consultancy dedicated to embedding communication, compassion, and Psychological Safety into the heart of organisational culture. As a certified Fearless Organisation Psychological Safety facilitator, workplace mediator, and international speaker, she works with global businesses, public bodies, and leaders across government, healthcare, education, and the military. Drawing on a unique background in nonviolent communication and emotional intelligence, Penny equips teams with practical tools to build trust, enhance performance, and foster inclusive, high-performing cultures.  

Penny Newton-Hurley - Communication & Psychological Safety Specialist 

Communication has been Penny's lifelong passion - beginning at age eight, when her father taught her to tap out Morse code, and continuing through her training with renowned psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in Nonviolent Communication. 

Today, Penny is a certified Psychological Safety Facilitator with The Fearless Organisation, an accredited workplace mediator, and a specialist in interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence. She is also an experienced coach, trainer, and international speaker. 

As founder of Commpassion Ltd, Penny works globally with CEOs, senior leaders, teams, and individuals across sectors including government, health, education, the military, and multinational business. Her approach combines strategy with compassion, helping organisations build cultures of psychological safety that drive high performance, trust, innovation, and wellbeing. 

Penny believes deeply that compassionate communication is not only key to organisational success. It has the power to change how the world speaks and listens. 

Outside of her professional work, Penny is a qualified pilot, a military-style bootcamp enthusiast, an amateur theatre performer, and a dedicated Samaritans and prison helpline volunteer. 

Qualifications & Training: 

  • BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French/Spanish)
  • Diploma in Business Translation
  • Certified Workplace Mediator
  • Registered with the Civil Mediation Council
  • Certified Psychological Safety Facilitator - The Fearless Organisation
  • Compassionate/Mindful (Nonviolent) Communication Trainer
  • Samaritans Listening Volunteer

 For more insights and to access your free Psychological Safety E-book, visit commpassion.co.uk.