Social Safety
In the Organisational Behaviour Group, we study how organisations can create and maintain a socially safe work environment. Inappropriate workplace behaviors— ranging from bullying, aggression, discrimination, and sexual harassment to more subtle actions like inappropriate remarks, gossip, or hurtful jokes—as well as excessive work pressure can lead to physical, psychological, and social distress. Organisations are increasingly aware of how culture and leadership shape employees' experiences of social safety. However, many struggle to bring about real change.
We help organisations, HR professionals, and managers identify challenges and find solutions. Using a systematic approach, we distinguish between challenges in the following three domains (for a similar approach, see ):
- Culture – How behaviour is guided by rules, norms, and attitudes.
- Structure – How work is organised.
- System – How (in)appropriate behaviour is monitored, reported, and adjusted.
By examining how challenges within these domains affect each other, we provide concrete tools to sustainably improve social safety.
Collaborations and Projects
In collaboration with the Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA), we investigate how formal procedures and employees' personal experiences contribute to social safety. We also test whether organisational and supervisional interventions have the intended effect.
Together with the HR department of Utrecht University, we apply scientific insights to HR policies and programs to promote a socially safe work environment. Additionally, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Life Sciences, we explore ways to enhance social safety in PhD student-supervisor relationships.
Course for Managers and Leaders
We are currently developing a practical course for managers and leaders, where we translate scientific insights into actionable strategies. Participants will learn how to identify social safety challenges within their teams and develop a safety strategy with expert guidance.
Do you want to create a safer work environment?
Sign up for our course! For more information and registration: send an email to masterclass-SV@uu.nl.