Scenario:

Barnaby Lashbrooke finds out as a founder of Time etc, a virtual assistant provider that has helped
people at 10,000 companies worldwide, I know how important it is to get the most out of your staff.
Small businesses appreciate the value of someone who will show up, figure out what needs doing
and work out the most efficient way to get it done. But initiative in a person needs one very
particular thing to flourish – a safe environment.

The most important thing I’ve learnt about management – admittedly through trial and error – is
that people need to feel psychologically safe, in a non-fear based and appreciative space, to reach
their full potential. Only when this environment exists are people able to think smarter, generate
ideas and execute them.

This was once an alien concept to me. When you grow a business you rarely have the luxury of doing
it in a safe environment. But I’ve seen first-hand the impact it has on employees. It really works.

At Time Etc, we do this by creating an environment where people can achieve more. We teach
people about emotional intelligence and help people cope with life and work through The School of
Life. We’ve done away with managers and instead offer one-on-one coaching to ensure people feel
supported. And every day at the office begins with an ‘appreciation huddle’ – when people single
out and thank a colleague who has helped them to achieve more.

Since we started paying attention to building a safe, supportive culture, productivity has increased
by 25 per cent and staff retention by 33 per cent. There’s a knock-on effect in customer retention,
too, which has risen by seven per cent.

When people feel supported and at ease, they don’t worry about presenting unusual or different
ideas, taking risks and thinking and acting more creatively. So, there you have it, the reason a safe
climate where employees feel supported and can take risks without fear relates to greater
organisational performance.

Creating the right environment could foster the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs and
innovators.

Consider that you are invited at a HR forum in To spur other industries into action, you as an HND
student are expected to share ideas and feedbacks by performing research on organisation(s) of
your choice.

Communicate your findings with relevant recommendations in the form of a written report. The
report should help develop a good idea into a great one.