Strategy for Enhancing Psychological Health & Safety @ KHSC

KHSC is committed to creating a work environment that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of staff, patients, and families. Psychological safety, as defined by Amy Edmondson as a "shared belief that a space is safe for interpersonal risk-taking," is central to our approach. We also draw from Timothy Clark’s work, understanding that fostering psychological safety requires a holistic strategy.

Healthcare workers face unique challenges like heavy workloads, trauma exposure, and ethical dilemmas, which contribute to burnout, mental health issues, and workforce turnover. According to the Canadian Medical Association (2021), healthcare workers are at a higher risk for stress-related conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Over 40% of Canadian physicians are in advanced stages of burnout, and healthcare workers are 1.5 times more likely to take time off due to illness or disability than those in other sectors ​​(Conference Board of Canada)​. You can explore the full details of the survey here​.

The new KHSC Psychological Health and Safety (PHS) strategic framework outlines the organization’s commitment, goals, and collective responsibility for cultivating a work environment that prioritizes workforce wellbeing and fosters a psychologically safe culture of mutual respect, trust, collaboration, and support. This environment empowers staff and leaders in building resilience, navigating challenges, and staying engaged, innovative, and successful in their roles.

Fostering improved PHS at KHSC is not a one-time initiative, but a shared journey. While our PHS framework’s strategic directions identify our key areas of focus, an annual action plan aimed at helping us achieve our strategic outcomes will be key in creating meaningful, visible, and ongoing improvement.  Guided by the National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety, we’re committed to evidence-based approaches that prioritize mental well-being, reduce stigma, and promote open communication. By embedding PHS into our workplace culture, we’re not just launching an initiative—we’re building a foundation for long-term trust, resilience, and continuous improvement across KHSC. For more information, click here.

Check out the links below for more information

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