The Public Sector Commission (PSC) has issued a guide on how to develop inclusive and safe workplaces for the State’s 140,000 public sector employees.
Psychologically Safe and Inclusive Workplaces contains practical action cards that help Agencies create environments where their staff can speak up, share ideas, ask questions and make mistakes in a safe environment.
In a statement, the PSC said it was important for all staff to feel welcome and experience a sense of belonging, as this was known to improve productivity, innovation and service delivery.
“Every public sector employee has a responsibility to make changes for better workforce diversity and inclusion outcomes,” the Commission said.
“Psychological safety is about creating an environment where staff can speak up, share ideas, ask questions and make mistakes without fear of humiliation or retribution.”
It said psychological safety was important for all staff but was heightened for those from under-represented groups who were more likely to have experience of negative consequences and inequities.
“This guide is one of the actions stemming from the Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy and supports action plans for diverse groups. It has practical tools and activities for Agencies to use in building inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces,” the PSC said.
“Research shows us that workplaces are more productive, innovative and engaging when they are diverse and supported by inclusive practices.”
It said Agencies that proactively established diverse and supported workforces were better able to deliver high-quality services that met the needs and challenges of the communities they served.
“Psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces are also more likely to recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds. This is important as the public sector workforce must reflect the diversity of WA to truly represent the community, understand and support its needs,” the Commission said.
The PSC’s guide Psychologically Safe and Inclusive Workplaces can be accessed on its website at this PS News link.
