World thought leaders in High Performance

High performance and psychological safety

How the HPO framework fosters a secure and innovative work environment

This Quick Insight explores how creating a psychologically safe environment and striving to become a High-Performance Organization (HPO) are closely interconnected and crucial for driving successful innovation. Our research reveals that organizations attaining the HPO status report higher levels of perceived psychological safety among employees, which in turn is conducive for the innovation capacity of the organization. By examining two case companies (ABC and XYZ), we provide practical insights and strategies for fostering a safe, supportive, and high-performing work environment. This Quick Insight offers valuable guidance for organizational leaders, HR professionals, and managers dedicated to enhancing innovation and performance through the implementation of the HPO framework.

“Adopting the HPO principles significantly enhances psychological safety, fostering a more innovative, supportive, and high-performing work environment.”

— André de Waal - HPO Center

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Adopt the HPO framework to enhance psychological safety
    Implementing the HPO framework’s structured approach helps organizations systematically improve practices that support employee well-being and security, leading to higher levels of psychological safety.
  2. Encourage continuous improvement and renewal and invest in employee development
    Foster a culture where employees are always engaged in improving and innovating processes, products, and services. Provide continuous training and development opportunities to enhance employee competence and confidence. This investment and continuous engagement not only improves creativity and organizational performance but also contributes to a sense of psychological safety.
  3. Create an open and supportive culture
    Develop an atmosphere where employee input is valued, mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, and managers actively involve employees in change initiatives. Ensure that managers act with integrity, communicate clearly, and support their teams. Trustworthy management builds employee confidence and security, together with openness and supportiveness essential components of psychological safety.
  4. Focus on long-term orientation
    Build sustainable relationships with stakeholders, prioritize internal candidates for vacancies, and create a stable work environment. This long-term commitment fosters a secure and supportive workplace, enhancing psychological safety.

Read and share this HPO Quick Insight ‘High performance and psychological safety’ via this link.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING TRANSFORMING YOUR ORGANIZATION INTO AN HPO?

Then insight is essential. Our HPO diagnosis, consisting of a short validated questionnaire based on the HPO framework and in-depth interviews, provides you with this insight. You will get a clear picture of the current situation within your organization or department and receive practical improvement themes that managers and employees can tackle together.

Why is this so important? Because organizations that apply the HPO framework achieve demonstrably better results. Employees feel more responsible and are more focused on improvement, leading to higher productivity and ultimately better financial results. The organization as a whole becomes more focused and disciplined, resulting in a strong reputation for quality.

Working on becoming a High Performance Organization is not only effective but also inspiring and energizing. It's an opportunity to grow and flourish with your team, both professionally and personally. Take the first step today on the path to (even) better results and a work environment where everyone engages with pleasure and passion.

Contact Marco Schreurs and experience the power of the HPO framework for yourself.