A McKinsey study found that 89% of employee respondents consider psychological safety in the workplace essential. Conversely, 73% of UK employees admit they have experienced a toxic workplace culture. It’s clear that the urgency of creating psychologically safe work environments is growing, yet there remains a disconnect between awareness and action. In the groundbreaking new book The Authentic Organization, Huddersfield-based Gina Battye, a pioneer in the field for more than 14 years, offers a much-needed actionable blueprint for building psychological safety in the workplace.
Through her personal experience and work with diverse clients and multinational corporations, Battye has enabled organisations, teams and individuals to challenge harmful attitudes and transform outdated cultures using her 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety. The Authentic Organization is a deep dive into the importance of each of the Pillars: Self, Social, Collaboration, Curiosity and Creativity.
Initially introducing Pillars 1, 2, and 3, the book delves into the concept of bringing your Authentic Self to work, fundamental elements of effective workplace communication (the Communication Cycle) and the CollabZen Methodology facilitating collaboration and teamwork. Pillars 4 and 5 build upon this foundation, presenting methods for continuous learning, innovation and growth. Together they form a robust framework that cultivates inclusive workplaces and equips readers with the tools needed to actively build a psychologically safe space for themselves and their teams.
Working through each of these Pillars is essential. Many continue to equate psychological safety with a ‘speak up’ culture, where individuals are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns without fear of repercussions. Whilst this is an element of psychological safety, it is far from the only component. Battye argues that leaders cannot ask employees to speak up when they have not been taught the intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to do so, and where the environment is unsafe or potentially toxic because the necessary team, workload and organisational foundations required for psychological safety haven’t been provided.
For Battye, authenticity and safety at work are inextricably intertwined. If you cannot bring your Authentic Self to work, there is a lack of psychological safety. Those workplaces that focus on both elements in parallel are most successful in building productive and supportive workplaces. The book includes valuable insights and practical advice on how to bring your Authentic Self to work, navigate workplace communication effectively and foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Expertly guiding readers through her revolutionary approach, Battye’s proven strategies are invaluable to leaders, managers, human resources professionals and business innovators seeking to unlock the unique potential of individuals and teams. The Authentic Organization is the ultimate manual to unmasking toxicity and building a truly psychologically safe workplace, driving a transformative shift in your workplace culture.
The Authentic Organization: How to Create a Psychologically Safe Workplace is published by Wiley and is available on Amazon.
