Five ways to make your work environment safe
People want to know that at work they are able to ask questions, make mistakes, and try new things. Check out the simple things you can do to create this space at work.
Names: People want to be known. Whether you have five or five hundred employees, call people by name. If you know me you must care about me, and that makes me feel safe to come to work.
Honesty: Be transparent with your employees. If you don’t know how to do something, admit it. If you need help with something, ask! People appreciate transparency and honesty. It makes them feel safe.
Clear is Kind: To quote Brene Brown, Clear is kind, unclear is unkind. If you are clear with your expectations, people feel safe to get things right. When we are unclear with expectations people are spending most of their energy trying to figure out what you want instead of creating a solid product. Clarity makes people feel safe.
Credibility: Let people know you have walked in their shoes. If you haven’t, let them know you are willing to walk alongside them. A title is nice, but willingness to learn and grow together creates credibility, and that makes employees feel safe.
Authenticity: When you are authentic and bring your true self to work others are going to be more willing to do the same. If you are wide open, don’t try to hide it. If you are naturally a little shy, embrace it. Bring your true self to work and others will feel safe to do the same.
When you make it safe for your employees to come to work they are more likely to take risks, try new things, share great ideas, and help your company grow.
