Mission to stop toxicity
DOES your boss target you at work, patronise you or shoot your ideas down without providing any feedback?
According to University of Southern Queensland Professor Patrick Danaher and RUGBY Mindset founder Katrina Wilson, you may be working in a psychologically unsafe workplace.
The duo has teamed up with a mission to remove the toxicity of poor leadership and revolutionise the way offices and job sites operate across the Darling Downs.
A psychologically unsafe work environment is defined as fearful employees who are humiliated, blamed, criticised, bullied or are too frightened to make suggestions.
Professor Danaher said leaders exercising empathy to their team would not only boost productivity, but was essential for their mental health and wellbeing.
“Psychological safety is much more than something shared between two colleagues – it’s the totality of the organisation,” he said.
“I recall a time in my life where I really had to force myself to go to a workplace … the people were friendly and I trusted them, but it was a combination of my own (insecurities) and the environment.”
In 2012, a report published by the Australian Institute revealed 2.2 million Australians had little or no idea what time they would finish work that day.
The data also revealed 83 per cent of workers were experiencing stress and anxiety, 74 per cent encountered sleeping problems.
Further, 54 per cent were unable to meet family commitments, as a result of their job.
While an ABS report revealed during the year ending February 2022, 1.3 million people changed jobs, marking the highest number of job mobility, since 2012.
“Sharing their concerns with others can actually be seen as a weakness, so many employees struggle in silence,” Professor Danaher said.
Ms Wilson said a psychologically unsafe workplace could include being told you’re wrong by management without any further discussion, explanation or outcome.
“Helping others help themselves and bring some sort of positive change, even in a small way, is what we love to do,” she said.
The pair is now offering Toowoomba workshops.
They also will soon be launching a podcast called Happy To Be Wrong.