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HBS Working Knowledge
HBS Working Knowledge
1y ago 242 views

New Employees Experience Decline in Psychological Safety After First Year: Solutions Revealed

A study by Harvard Business School explores why new hires often feel less psychologically safe after their first year in a new job. The research highlights the importance of organizational culture, management practices, and ongoing support in maintaining employee well-being. Strategies for improving psychological safety include regular feedback, inclusive team practices, and leadership training.
New Employees Experience Decline in Psychological Safety After First Year: Solutions Revealed
A What happened
A study by Harvard Business School explores why new hires often feel less psychologically safe after their first year in a new job. The research highlights the importance of organizational culture, management practices, and ongoing support in maintaining employee well-being. Strategies for improving psychological safety include regular feedback, inclusive team practices, and leadership training.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Initial Psychological Safety

    New hires typically experience a strong sense of psychological safety in their first year, feeling supported and secure in their roles.

  • 2

    Decline in Safety

    After the first year, many employees report a significant decline in psychological safety, which can negatively impact their performance and engagement.

  • 3

    Root Causes

    The decline is often due to increased job demands, changes in team dynamics, and lack of ongoing support and feedback.

  • 4

    Strategies for Improvement

    Organizations can implement continuous onboarding processes, foster open communication, and provide regular feedback to maintain psychological safety.

Takeaways

To ensure long-term psychological safety for employees, companies must go beyond initial onboarding efforts and continuously support their workforce through open communication, regular feedback, and a culture of inclusivity.