As we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving later this month, it's always a great time to reflect on what we are grateful for. Now, we often think of Thanksgiving as a time to focus on family, friends, and the abundance in our lives. And while those things are certainly worthy of gratitude, this year I want to take a moment to express thankfulness for something we’ve been learning more about that plays a critical role in both our personal and professional lives: psychological safety and mental wellness.
We live in a world where people are becoming more attuned to the importance of mental health and well-being. What’s incredible is that we are finally recognizing the power of psychological safety in fostering environments where people feel not only seen and heard, but also supported to speak up and share their thoughts without fear of judgment or retaliation. In fact, psychological safety has become an essential component in maintaining mental wellness, both in the workplace and at home.
So, what can we be thankful for in terms of psychological safety this Thanksgiving? We can be thankful for the understanding that creating safe spaces where people feel they can express their true thoughts, feelings, and opinions helps reduce anxiety and increases trust. Whether we're talking about the workplace, our friendships, or yes, even around the Thanksgiving table, knowing that psychological safety can make conversations more constructive—and much less stressful—is something to celebrate.