Business
How to Create a Truly Safe Space for Your Employees in 2022
Published by Jessica Weisman-Pitts
Posted on February 15, 2022
7 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
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Company
Published by Jessica Weisman-Pitts
Posted on February 15, 2022
7 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleBy Tom Bivins, Head of Ergonomics and Wellbeing at Vita Health Group
To say we have seen extraordinary change in the workplace in recent years still feels like an understatement. It is a change so big that it has shifted the priorities for employers, and the expectations of employees, forever. No less than on the topic of workplace wellbeing.
Organisations have learned a lot from nearly two years of working in remote and hybrid ways. The time has forced many to think about, and appreciate, the differences amongst their employees; some have flourished from their at-home office, whilst others have floundered from the lack of routine and felt isolated. If one thing has become clear though, it is that we are all different and we are all human. And as humans, we all cope in different ways.
How Have Safe Spaces Evolved in the Hybrid Working World?
Whilst some may feel they can be completely open and emotionally vulnerable in the four walls of their workplace; the reality is that many cannot. The thing is, intense conversations are often sandwiched between meetings, leaving the individual no time to reflect on or gather their thoughts. As a result, emotion that arises from sharing traumatic or difficult experiences may need to be quickly subdued in the office toilet; and anger over decisions that feel unfair or unjust is often expected to be hidden under a cloak of composure.
Remote working has given a space for many people to come forward, confide and share in ways they would not in the physical workplace. When people have, understandably, struggled over the past two years, some people have found that being wrapped in the comfort blanket of familiar surroundings incredibly helpful. Homes, coffee shops and local parks often act as personal safe spaces and now they have become professional ones too. For the first time, the choice of where and how to have challenging conversations has been in the hands of the employee. It has enabled many to bring their authentic and whole selves to work.
It is Your Duty of Care to Create A Safe Space for All Employees.
It has always been important for workplaces to create psychologically safe spaces – spaces where individuals can bring their whole selves, where they feel valued, and where difficult conversations can take place without fear of judgement. Safe spaces are crucial for the wellness of all employees, but particularly those in minority groups, those who are challenged with mental or physical health and those that endure harassment or bullying. And in fact, anyone – no matter who they are or how invincible they feel – may need to solace and comfort of a safe space. Afterall, when things get tough and life throws you a stinker, it can be impossible to keep the wall between personal life and work life, standing.
The reality is, there are limitations in having a one-size-fits-all approach to safe spaces.
Choice Can Empower Employees to Share.
In this new, hybrid world, there is no playbook that outlines how, exactly to create the perfect safe space. But what businesses do have at their disposal are learnings from an unprecedented two years, and a huge opportunity to re-think how they create healthier workplaces for their employees.
If Covid-19 has taught the working world anything, it is that giving employees a choice can be empowering and, in turn, increase productivity. Those employers who have given their employees the choice to decide where, when and how they work, have undoubtedly helped build trust. And trust between two individuals is key to building not only a happier workplace, but also a truly safe space.
I urge managers to focus on giving employees more choice in where, when and how they have difficult conversations. Afterall, if you are asking an individual to open up about a tough experience, or if you are delivering bad news, it is them that will feel most weight from the conversation. In 2022, safe spaces will not only look different, but you also have the unique opportunity to make them look better too.
Seven Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Safe Space Strategy.
You need more than just four walls in your office to create a safe space for your employees in 2022. Ask yourself these seven questions and you will be on your way to creating a space that people feel truly safe to share in.
Employee engagement is the emotional commitment employees have towards their organization, influencing their motivation and performance at work.
A duty of care is a legal and ethical obligation of employers to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees in the workplace.
Hybrid working is a flexible work model that combines remote work and in-office work, allowing employees to choose their work environment.
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