Role of Psychological Safety in Influencing Workplace Alienation and Workplace Ostracism

Abstract: This study investigates the pivotal role of psychological safety in mitigating workplace alienation and ostracism. Psychological safety, characterized by a shared belief that individuals can freely express ideas and take risks without fear of negative repercussions, has been recognized as essential for fostering trust and collaboration within organizations. Conversely, workplace alienation and ostracism contribute to disengagement, emotional exhaustion, and diminished organizational outcomes. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing a structured survey to gather data from 150 employees in the IT sector across India. The study measured psychological safety as an independent variable and its influence on workplace alienation and ostracism as dependent variables. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The findings revealed that higher psychological safety significantly reduces alienation and has a moderate effect on decreasing ostracism. Correlation results underscored the cyclical relationship between alienation and ostracism, emphasizing the need for holistic organizational interventions. The study’s implications highlight the importance of fostering psychologically safe environments to enhance employee well-being and organizational performance. While psychological safety is a critical factor in addressing workplace challenges, results suggest the need for additional strategies to combat social exclusion effectively. This research contributes actionable insights for organizations seeking to build inclusive and resilient work environments. Keywords: Psychological Safety, Workplace Alienation, Workplace Ostracism, Organizational Performance, Employee Wellbeing