Fostering Psychological Safety in Organizations

Last week, we hosted an insightful event in Munich focused on enhancing psychological safety within organizations. This gathering provided a deep dive into the latest advancements and practical applications, emphasizing cultivating a culture where employees feel empowered to share ideas and innovate.

Our lineup of speakers included Cordula Pflaum, an experienced aviation captain with extensive expertise in training teams to foster psychological safety in high-stakes environments. Cordula shared her insights on building trust and safety where the margin for error is minimal.

Simone Häckl presented findings from a recent randomized controlled trial studying the impact of supportive leadership on promoting open communication within teams. This study, conducted in collaboration with a firm, highlighted how managerial practices can significantly influence information sharing and team dynamics.

Stefanie Nickel and Silvia Castro discussed an innovative experimental study aimed at enhancing psychological safety through strategic managerial communication. They offered practical tips for integrating specific content into one-on-one meetings with direct reports, encouraging a culture of experimentation and informed risk-taking.

The event fostered collaboration between HR professionals and researchers, and included ample time for discussion over coffee and lunch. T

The event's active participation enriched the conversation, especially when addressing crucial questions like, “How can we support teams with very low psychological safety, who are also the least likely to engage in psychological safety training?”

The event provided invaluable opportunities for discussion, interaction, and learning. It helped us gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by organizations, enabling us to bring scientifically proven solutions back to the business community, helping them navigate and enhance their workplace environments. 

We are grateful to our speakers Cordula Pflaum, Simone Häckl, Dr. Stefanie Nickel, and Florian Englmaier for their insightful talks, and to the Joachim Herz Foundation for funding the event.