The increasing number of absences due to mental illness in Germany is alarming. According to the Federal Association of Company Health Insurance Funds (BKK), these times have more than tripled between 2000 and 2019. There are many different factors that are responsible, with the work environment playing a significant role. High workloads and psychological pressure increase the risk of long-term incapacity to work.
Since 2013, German companies have been legally obliged to carry out a risk assessment of psychological stress.
Work content, work organization, team structures and cooperation with managers play a crucial role here. In this context, the term "psychological safety" is becoming increasingly important.
Psychological safety means treating each other with respect and allowing each employee to maintain their dignity. A safe environment is characterized by communication on an equal footing, careful handling of individual stress limits and appreciative cooperation.
A healthy culture of error, also known as "safe to fail", is closely linked to psychological safety. In an environment where people are allowed to openly admit mistakes and learn from them, everyone involved can benefit. Rapid error detection enables individual growth, timely action by managers and minimizes economic damage.
The holistic approach emphasizes the acceptance of human weaknesses in the work environment. It means that people are accepted in their entirety, including private challenges. In the era of video conferences, doors to private areas of life have opened in the working world, which promotes consideration and cohesion.
In summary, psychological safety can be measured by the quality of communication, the ability to openly address mistakes, and the acceptance of holistic thinking in the work environment. Successful implementation of these principles not only promotes individual health, but also strengthens the collective performance and innovative strength of a company.
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