Reshaping RTO policies: Building psychological safety and trust

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As companies navigate the complexities of post-pandemic work arrangements, the issue of bringing employees back into the office has emerged as a major challenge. Strict mandates by employers have resulted in resistance and even walkouts. These mandates, which include a mix of enticements, suggestions, penalties, and coercion, have not resolved the return-to-office stalemate. To create an environment where employees embrace the idea of coming back to the worksite, it is essential for employers to focus on eliminating workplace incivility and foster psychological safety, trust, and resilience.

A recent survey conducted by meQuilibrium sheds light on the prevalence of workplace incivility and its impact on psychological safety. The survey revealed that 1 in 4 workers experience some form of workplace incivility, which can lead to toxic work environments and jeopardize psychological safety. Workplace incivility encompasses an array of negative behaviors, from being ignored and having one’s judgment questioned to being addressed in an unprofessional manner. Even more troubling are instances of angry outbursts, yelling, cursing, accusations of incompetence, and becoming the subject of jokes among colleagues.