The Changing Trends of Psychological Safety at the Workplace: An Analysis of Thematic Trends and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Psychological Safety, a more than 50-year-old concept enables employees to take interpersonal risks and voice their opinions without the fear of negative consequences. The research in this area has evolved over the years and today, psychological safety is recognized as the most significant distinguishing factor among the highest-performing work teams. This study aims to thematically analyze the shift in trends of psychological safety in business and management research over the years and suggest a scope for future analysis. A multistep screening procedure on the Scopus database was utilized to extract 539 articles published in the last two decades. Using the Bibliometrix R Package, this study identifies the publication trends related to psychological safety over the years and investigates the affiliating countries.

The bibliometric analysis revealed an amplified interest of research scholars in this area of study. The research conducted in this field, formerly focused on the role of psychological safety in motivating employees and its impact on job satisfaction. The focus then, shifted to leadership style as an antecedent for ensuring a psychologically safe environment. However, recent researchers are investigating how psychological safety can help organizations to effectively engage their workforce and ensure their mental well-being in such a dynamic work environment. Future researchers can explore the use of enterprise social media usage in establishing a psychologically safe work environment. Employers are advised to focus on employees’ mental and psychological well-being by providing mental health support services, measuring and meeting their needs, providing technical support to adapt to new technologies, demarcating work and life boundaries, and creating an inclusive work environment. Organizations also have an opportunity today to utilize social media platforms for building interpersonal relationships and ensuring employee engagement.