In today’s diverse and dynamic work environment, the most successful teams aren’t just those with the sharpest skills, they are the teams that feel safe. But what exactly is psychological safety and why does it matter so much?

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY?

Psychological safety is ‘a shared belief among members of the team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking’.

Timothy Clark’s model of psychological safety outlines the conditions necessary for members to feel psychologically safe within an organisational context. In a psychologically safe climate, individuals feel (1) included, (2) safe to learn, (3) safe to contribute, and (4) safe to challenge the status quo. Each stage represents a progression towards psychological safety.

• Inclusion Safety: In this stage, members feel safe to belong to the team.
• Learner Safety: In this stage, members feel safe to engage in the learning process, experiment, and make mistakes.
• Contributor Safety: In this stage, members feel safe to contribute and make a difference.
• Challenger Safety: In this stage, members feel empowered to question the status quo, challenge existing norms, and explore new possibilities.

The level of psychological safety within a team has been linked to an array of outcomes.

HIGH PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

A strong sense of psychological safety is important from both a well-being and performance perspective.

Well-being

Psychological safety, essential for team member well-being, reduces workplace stress, anxiety, and burnout associated with pressure and fear. Organisations that prioritise psychological safety demonstrate a commitment to employee health and happiness.

Engagement and Job Satisfaction

Psychological safety boosts engagement by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, leading team members to show greater motivation and commitment in their work. Prioritising psychological safety is also beneficial for job satisfaction. It is a way to enhance comfort and safety in doing work, supporting a thriving and resilient workforce.

Performance and Success

Psychological safety isn’t just the fuel for performance, it’s the engine itself. The highest-performing teams have one thing in common: psychological safety. When members feel safe, they are more likely to participate openly and actively, which fuels innovation and enhances performance outcomes for both the team and organisation. Additionally, psychological safety enables learning behaviours. The ideal space to occupy as a team is the ‘learning zone’, characterised by high levels of psychological safety and high-performance standards.

LOW PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

The consequences of poor psychological safety are also evident. When workplace teams lack psychological safety, it can lead to increased emotional distress and hinder innovation and performance. For individuals, this often means reduced well-being, engagement, and job satisfaction. For organisations, this often means increased absenteeism and turnover, along with lower productivity and profits. These issues can put an organisation at a competitive disadvantage.

THE ROLE OF THE TEAM EXCEL PROGRAM

We’re entering a new era for mental health at work. With the introduction of ISO 45003 — the global standard for psychological health and safety — leaders are now responsible for creating work environments that are not only physically safe, but psychologically safe too.

The Team Excel Program plays a vital role in this shift. It provides a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding the psychological safety climate within teams — helping organisations identify risks, foster inclusion, and strengthen culture.

Delivered via a quick, confidential 4-minute online survey, Team Excel captures how team members feel about safety, inclusivity, communication, and collaboration. Results are visualised in interactive dashboards that spark meaningful team discussions and drive commitment to action.

For organisations looking to future-proof their teams and meet growing compliance and cultural expectations, Team Excel offers a practical and powerful way forward.

WHY THE TEAM EXCEL PROGRAM?

The Team Excel Program stands out for good reason:

• A market-leading diagnostic that delivers real-time insights into team psychological safety and performance

• Backed by globally recognised psychological and neuropsychological research

• Confidential, anonymous, and easy to complete in just 4 minutes

• Instant, visual results through interactive dashboards

• Provides targeted, neuroscience-informed solutions that address key areas for improvement and drive lasting behavioural change

Team Excel doesn’t just measure psychological safety — it empowers teams to act on it.

Get in Touch

Psychological safety is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have in today’s work environment. Investing in psychological safety delivers real benefits for a thriving workforce. Show your commitment today and talk to one of our experts about how you can incorporate psychological safety assessments in your organisation. Get in touch with our team here, or call 03 9040 1700 to learn more.  

If you want to talk to one of our experts about utilising the PSI indicator in your leadership development plan, get in touch with our team here, or view the assessment brochure to learn more to learn more.