Western nurtures psychological well-being, especially in Black History Month
Western Financial Group is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and one of the ways we achieve this is by fostering psychological safety for team members of all backgrounds.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are proud to support initiatives that help build a safe and inclusive environment for our black team members, such as our upcoming webinar on Fostering BIPOC Belonging in the Workplace this month.
We believe that psychological safety is essential for creating a workplace culture that embraces DEI. By definition, psychological safety is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Team members experience this in various ways, such as being part of an Employee Resource Group (ERG), which helps build community within Western.
In Canada, Western has emerged as an organization actively promoting a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Our seven ERGs, including our Black ERG, offer a platform for black team members and allies to express themselves authentically. Through regular touchpoints, feedback sessions, and DEI-specific webinars, we provide an environment where black team members feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns.
As we delve into the other ways we are fostering a psychologically safe workplace, we turn to Kristy Rachkowski, Chief People and Culture Officer at Western Financial Group, for her perspective. Her role at the helm of People and Culture provides a unique perspective on the impact of ERGs and our other social initiatives.
How does Kristy envision the ripple effect of these ERGs and initiatives on psychological safety and Western’s work culture? Kristy stated, “At Western, we prioritize psychological safety, creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. This approach champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our ultimate goal is a workplace where diverse voices exist and thrive, resulting in a more innovative and enriched culture."
Beyond Black History Month, Western is committed to creating a psychologically safe workplace and looks forward to continuing our efforts throughout the year and into the future by prioritizing the well-being of our people and promoting resources to support them. This extends to promoting work-life balance and reminding them of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offerings on stress management and mindful living.
