Do Your Employees Feel Safe?

When you think of employee safety, physical safety may be the first thing that comes to mind. While this is an important factor, safety extends beyond physical safety and includes various aspects of psychological and emotional well-being.

While earning my coaching certification, we spent much time on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. If you're unfamiliar with his work, Abraham Maslow proposed a theory describing the stages of human growth. Each stage represents intrinsic needs that are important to be fulfilled to progress up the pyramid.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a helpful framework to understand the different layers of human needs and how they relate to employees' feelings of safety, satisfaction, and growth within an organization. Employees who do not feel safe will have a more challenging time engaging in their work and seeking out opportunities to grow. Here are some considerations at different stages of the employee life cycle:

Recruitment and Onboarding:

From the very beginning, organizations need to be transparent about their culture, values, expectations, and job roles. Providing accurate job descriptions, setting realistic expectations, and providing proper onboarding training can contribute to a sense of safety and trust.

Daily Work Environment:

It is equally important to encourage open communication, respect diversity, and foster a culture where employees feel safe expressing their opinions without fear of retribution.

Compensation and Benefits:

Providing competitive salaries and benefits helps meet employees' basic needs for financial security.

Performance Management:

Setting clear performance expectations, providing feedback, and recognizing achievements contributes to a sense of security and belonging.

Training and Development:

Offering opportunities for skill development and growth helps employees progress up Maslow's hierarchy, fulfilling their need for personal growth and self-actualization.

Career Progression:

Offering career advancement and personal development opportunities helps fulfill higher-level needs in Maslow's hierarchy.

Overall Organizational Culture:

Ensuring that the organization's actions align with its stated values and mission creates trust and a sense of security among employees.

Exit and Offboarding:

Treating departing employees with respect and dignity ensures a positive exit experience, which can impact their perception of the organization and how they speak about the organization to others.

Creating a safe environment for employees involves a combination of physical, psychological, and emotional factors. It requires ongoing efforts to foster a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Employees who feel safe are likelier to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their organization.

If this feels overwhelming, consider investing time in an organizational analysis. This comprehensive analysis helps uncover gaps within the organization that could hinder success.