Safe Climate

STEP 7 | Promote a Safe and Supportive Organizational Climate

Reporting concerning behavior should be seen as a collective responsibility

organizations should strive to make bystander reporting part of an overall safe and positive work climate

Some employees may be hesitant to report behaviors and communications of concern in the workplace due to fear of retaliation.

A crucial component of workplace safety is developing an organizational culture of safety, respect, trust, and support.

Positive organizational climates can reduce the risk of grievances and enhance bystander reporting when concerns are identified.

Cultivating a positive climate of safety and support in an organization is important to ensure employees feel valued.

Employees who feel respected and supported are less likely to view violence as an appropriate means of addressing their issues and may hold fewer and/or less intense grievances against their colleagues.

Positive work climates can also have other important outcomes, including enhanced employee well-being, resilience, and productivity, as well as improved positive and supportive interactions with customers, clients, patients, and visitors.

We tell employees not to wait for something to happen to say something, but to proactively engage in resources.

STEP 7: PROMOTE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE

A variety of strategies can be instrumental to fostering a safe and supportive organizational environment.

It is important for organizations to be proactive and to intervene early when concerns are easily managed, such as with minor disciplinary or performance issues.

Disciplinary actions should not be used as punishment, but rather as corrective measures to educate employees about relevant issues with their performance and/or behavioral conduct and to inform them what actions are needed to get them back on the right track.

Hiring decisions can be among the most impactful decisions made in an organizational setting, as the workforce cultivates their surrounding climate.

Use safe hiring practices.

Respond fairly and effectively to problems.

Address bullying and harassment at work.

Employees should be empowered to report the concerns they have in the workplace without fear of reprisal.

All employees should understand the value of identifying, assessing, and managing concerns early

If you don't, people will stop sharing their thoughts, and they will burn out.

There are numerous characteristics of positive work environments, including clear and open communication

Invest in employee resources.

Facilitate positive interactions.

Cultivate a culture of safety.

It is important for all employees to recognize safety as a priority and a community responsibility.

Organizations should strive to foster a culture of safety in the workplace to ensure all employees understand their role in ensuring the workplace is safe from violence.

The overall goal is to reduce fear through education.