Psychosocial Safety for Researchers: What it is, What it isn’t and Why it matters

Psychosocial safety is about creating a work environment where researchers can perform at their best without experiencing psychological harm. It does not mean removing challenge, accountability, constructive feedback, or the normal demands associated with conducting high quality research.

This session will provide practical guidance on what psychosocial safety means in today's research environment, including the difference between healthy pressure and harmful long-term stress. Participants will explore reasonable performance management, understand their responsibilities in maintaining a psychologically safe workplace, and learn how and when to raise concerns. The session aims to build confidence, clarity and shared understanding across research teams.

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

1. Understand what psychosocial safety is and what it is not.
2. Recognise the difference between healthy stress, workload pressures and harmful long-term stress.
3. Understand what constitutes reasonable management action and performance expectations.
4. Identify their role and responsibilities in promoting a psychologically safe work environment.
5. Know when, where and how to raise psychosocial safety concerns and seek support.