Pilot project shows potential in new tool for psychological safety
Researchers have examined a new digital tool designed to create psychological safety in the workplace.
When employees experience psychological safety, they are more likely to ask questions, share ideas, admit mistakes and ask for help – and research shows that this promotes both innovation and learning and helps prevent errors.
But how do you create psychological safety in a workplace? And can a new digital tool make a difference?
The National Institute of Public Health has evaluated the first experiences from a pilot project aimed at promoting psychological safety in organisations. Several workplaces have tested DIIPTA – a new digital tool based on structured dialogue and shared reflection.
“Psychological safety is very important for well-being, learning and collaboration in workplaces. When employees experience psychological safety, they are more willing to ask questions, share ideas and admit mistakes without fear of negative reactions,“ says Assistant Professor Frederik Schou-Juul, one of the researchers behind the evaluation.
In the project, employees and managers work with short films portraying recognisable workplace situations, which form the basis for joint discussions. The focus is on collaboration, feedback, misunderstandings and uncertainty – followed by idea development, problem-solving and concrete actions where new ideas are tested in the workplace.
Outcomes depend on the context
The evaluation shows that the tool has generally been positively received and functions as a useful framework for dialogue about well-being and collaboration. Working in small groups and the use of films are highlighted as strengths, because they make it easier to discuss topics that can otherwise be difficult to raise.
At the same time, the evaluation shows that the benefits depend greatly on the framework. A clear introduction, good facilitation and systematic follow-up are crucial.
“Several workplaces did not follow up properly, and this probably limited the possibility of more lasting changes,” says Frederik Schou-Juul.
DIIPTA has been developed within the partnership Danish Partnership for Mental Health, and the project is supported by TrygFonden.
The evaluation will be used to further develop the tool.
The final version of the tool is expected to be completed in late summer 2026, when it will become available to workplaces across the country through Danish Partnership for Mental Health.
Contact: Assistant Professor Frederik Schou-Juul, tel.: +45 6550 7747, e-mail: fsch@sdu.dk, National Institute of Public Health, SDU.