We hear a lot about physical health and safety in the workplace, but you might not have heard of the term ‘psychosocial safety’. Psychosocial safety is about the mental and emotional wellbeing of an employee and their right to feel safe, from a mental health point of view, in the workplace. Psychosocially safe workplaces are those where employees feel respected, supported, and valued, and are free from unnecessary stressors that harm a person’s mental health. It’s where a person has positive interactions with others, feels included and respected and secure in their employment.
As a clinical psychologist, I often hear about the mental health effects of workplaces that lack psychosocial safety. People affected describe environments where there may be excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, poor communication, and/or little social support. For example, some talk about feeling constant pressure to meet tight deadlines without adequate resources or acknowledgment, leaving them feeling unappreciated and burnt out. Others describe bullying and harassment creating a culture of fear and isolation. There may also be favouritism causing feelings of resentment. It’s important to be able to recognise if you’re in a psychologically unsafe workplace and take action to protect your mental health.
Some of these signs are physical and some emotional. Persistent feelings of stress, burnout, and physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or insomnia often indicate an unhealthy environment. For example, you might dread work every morning, to the point of feeling physically unwell or even experiencing panic attacks. You might also feel isolated, anxious, or unable to trust colleagues. You might be working under a manager who dismisses concerns about your workload or fails to provide constructive feedback. Job insecurity and unclear expectations are also sources of stress. Employees unsure about their roles or worried about losing their jobs often feel on edge. This uncertainty can drive overworking to demonstrate value, which only exacerbates stress and exhaustion.
So, what do I do? When dealing with a psychologically unsafe workplace, it’s essential to focus on what you can control. Setting boundaries is a critical first step. For instance, communicate your workload limits and establish clear expectations for working hours (i.e., not taking work home or being contacted outside of working hours). This protects your mental health and helps prevent burnout. Building a support network is also important such as connecting with trusted colleagues or sharing your experiences with friends and family. These conversations can reduce isolation and provide fresh perspectives. Prioritising self-care is also crucial including engaging in activities that help you unwind and recharge and take short breaks during the workday to help you manage stress and improve your focus. If the environment doesn’t improve, document incidents like unreasonable demands or unprofessional behaviour to address the issues formally if needed. If it’s really affecting you, consider professional support from a psychologist who can help you achieve a healthier work-life balance or perhaps move away from a toxic workplace.
