11 Jul 2021

Psychological safety in the work environment has been pronounced as important as physical safety in the era of COVID-19.

In an interview recently, the corporate affairs manager at Debswana Diamond Company, Ms Boikhutso Malela said a lot of tragedy, despair and helplessness was being experienced in the workplace due to COVID-19 and its effects.

She noted that it was taking a toll on employees’ well-being and that there was need to engage them on safety issues in the working environment and share tips on how they could improve their psychological safety.

Ms Malela said it was important for employees to engage one another and share experiences.

She added that employees should listen to one another and make time to understand before giving suggestions.

”Avoid blaming and externalising events that are happening to you.

When you avoid blaming, you can build trust and create an atmosphere of acceptance for yourself, which will bring healing faster,” she said.

Ms Malela also encouraged employees to be self-aware and to correct their thoughts through self-monitoring.

She added that when one was going through a downward spiral, they should recognise it and bring themselves back to the top.

“Nip negativity in the bud.

It will only add to your downward spiral. Openly share and let others share,” she said.

Ms Malela also said employees should approach one another with empathy as they didn’t know the depth of someone else’s troubles.

She noted that at Debswana Diamond Company their motto was; Show we Care.

“We care deeply about one another, the people whose lives we touch and the environment we share.

We will always think through the consequences of what we do so that our contribution to the world is real, lasting and makes us proud,” said Ms Malela when explaining the corporate value of her company.

The interview was on the sidelines of the launch of three products that are designed to support the livelihoods of people living within their vicinity. ENDS