Cultivating Psychological Safety: A Narrative Review of PSC Implementation and Workplace Mental Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/shr.v1i1.523Keywords:
Psychological Safety, Psychosocial Safety Climate, Workplace Well-Being, Inclusive Leadership, Organizational Culture, Mental Health Policy, Employee EngagementAbstract
Psychological safety (PS) has gained increasing recognition as a critical determinant of workplace well-being and performance. This narrative review aims to synthesize empirical evidence on the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on employee mental health, job satisfaction, and organizational functioning. Utilizing a thematic analysis of peer-reviewed studies, this review explores how leadership, organizational culture, and national policy environments influence the implementation of PSC. Findings indicate that high levels of PSC correlate with reduced stress and burnout, enhanced employee engagement, and greater openness in communication. Inclusive leadership styles and participatory organizational structures were identified as key facilitators, while stigma, policy fragmentation, and hierarchical systems emerged as persistent barriers. The discussion integrates systemic factors with existing theoretical models and proposes comprehensive solutions, including leadership training, policy reform, and digital intervention tools. This review emphasizes the need for culturally responsive strategies and long-term evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustainable psychological safety. Overall, the study highlights PSC as an essential component of organizational health and advocates for coordinated, evidence-based approaches to overcome the structural and social impediments to its implementation. These insights offer valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers striving to create psychologically secure and high-performing workplaces.
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