Just speak up? Not that easy – but far from impossible
Discussions on psychological safety often overlook the employee’s agency in shaping workplace culture.
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Instead of just fearing or accepting a workplace culture, employees have the power to shape it by speaking up, says the writer.
PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
If you’ve ever spoken up at work, even when it felt unsafe to do so, what was the deciding factor that overrode your fear?
My choice always comes down to whether silence requires me to betray certain values I abide by. When immediate action isn’t necessary, I take the time to assess if my personal discomfort reflects a bigger, ingrained pattern of scant workplace psychological safety. And if so, whether I am willing to let that fear hold me hostage.
