To ‘speak up’ is to openly state views or opinions about work matters. It can include a broad range of themes – everything from delivering carefully composed feedback, to challenging prejudice, to flagging serious risks or errors. Businesses are facing greater levels of scrutiny and accountability than ever before, and it is vital that employees feel empowered to raise concerns and follow their moral values.
Unfortunately, research conducted by Positive has found that 1 in 3 individuals find it difficult to speak up. Barriers to speaking up are often related to feelings of fear or distrust in either the system or interpersonal relationships. However, studies have also identified another factor; employees can sometimes feel that their concerns will not be heard or acted upon.
Assessing, understanding and normalising the barriers to speaking up, whilst also developing a reciprocal ‘listen up’ culture, is essential for embedding real behavioural change at all levels of an organisation.
In this free 30-minute webinar, Will Marien, Dr Sinead Devine-French and Dr Catherine Marshall will be exploring how organisations can effectively approach the ‘speak up’ challenge. In particular, they will be looking at how psychological safety and team cohesion, alongside the skills that promote good psychological health, can drive a healthy and effective challenge culture.
