Building Organizations That Are Supportive

Maslow's Hierachy of Needs graphic

Maslow’s well-known Hierarchy of Needs places safety just above survival. Recent social movements such as Me Too and the Great Resignation have brought employee dissatisfaction with their working circumstances to light. Thousands of people have left the workforce. A majority of workers who quit a job in 2021 cited low pay, no opportunities for advancement and feeling disrespected.

Much has been written about psychological safety’s role in improving workplace wellness. To weather uncertainty, organizations need to make psychological safety a strategic priority, creating a culture where employees can comfortably raise concerns, contribute ideas, and share unique perspectives.

Three cultural dimensions are critical for resilience:

  • Integrity: Ethical leadership and courageous candor
  • Innovation: Fearless collaborative creativity
  • Inclusion: Authentic respect and belonging

These sustain business continuity, competitiveness, and growth — the intersection of these three dimensions forms the core of a psychologically safe culture. 

A closer look at what has happened to the labor force can better be described as "The Great Reshuffle" because hiring rates have outpaced quit rates since November of 2020.  So, many workers are quitting their jobs – but many are getting re-hired elsewhere.

Why are some employers able to recruit while other struggle? 

One reason is a supportive workplace culture, one that meets the Safety, Belonging and Esteem needs of employees.  A positive workplace culture is compassionate.

With hybrid and remote workplaces, our emotional culture is more relevant than ever. While leaders and organizations need to create workplace policies that make us feel valued and appreciated, each one of us can contribute to building an inclusive environment.

Do you want your organization to be seen as a great place to work?  Contact SWB Consulting Services for a free consultation to discuss how we can engage your team.

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