Psychological Safety and Its Correlation with Employee Engagement: A Study of High-Stress Work Environments

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between psychological safety and employee engagement in high-stress work environments. Psychological safety, defined as a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for employee well-being and performance. High-stress work environments, characterized by intense workloads, time pressures, and emotional demands, can negatively impact employee engagement, leading to decreased productivity, burnout, and turnover. This study examines the extent to which psychological safety mitigates the negative effects of stress on employee engagement. Employing a quantitative research design, survey data was collected from a sample of employees in high-stress occupations. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between psychological safety and employee engagement. Furthermore, the study explores the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between workplace stressors and employee engagement. The results suggest that psychological safety buffers the negative impact of stress on engagement, promoting a more positive and productive work environment. The research concludes with practical implications for organizations seeking to foster psychological safety and enhance employee engagement in high-stress settings