Thriving in Safe Spaces: Why Finding the Right Environment Is Key to Your Resilience

I spent years trying to fit into environments that weren’t aligned with my values or needs. I thought that if I worked hard enough, I could adapt to any workplace culture. But over time, I realized that no amount of resilience can make up for a toxic or unsupportive environment. It wasn’t until I found a workplace that valued psychological safety, transparency, and inclusivity that I began to thrive.

Working in an environment that honors your needs and contributions is a necessity for building long-term resilience. You can’t fully bring your best self to the table if you’re constantly battling a culture that devalues your well-being.

5 Tips for Finding (or Creating) Supportive Environments:

1. Assess the Culture During Interviews When exploring new roles, ask questions about company values, team dynamics, and leadership support. Look for red flags like high turnover or unclear expectations.
2. Advocate for Psychological Safety In your current workplace, advocate for practices that encourage open communication, feedback, and support. Psychological safety allows people to speak up without fear of punishment, which is crucial for thriving.
3. Seek Out Mentors or Allies Build a network of supportive colleagues, mentors, or leaders who can advocate for you and provide guidance in navigating the workplace. Having allies can help you feel more secure and supported.
4. Know When to Walk Away If your workplace continues to drain your energy and compromise your mental health, it’s okay to look for new opportunities. Sometimes, the most resilient thing you can do is walk away from a toxic environment.
5. Create Micro-Environments of Support Even in less-than-ideal workplaces, you can create pockets of support—small teams, peer groups, or task forces where you can foster collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.

Finding or creating a supportive, psychologically safe environment is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for your resilience and success. When you’re in a place that honors your worth and well-being, you can truly thrive and make your most meaningful contributions. Don’t settle for environments that deplete your energy. Seek out spaces where you can grow, where your voice is valued, and where your work is aligned with your true self.

Your environment can either support your growth or hold you back. If you’re ready to find or create spaces that allow you to thrive, the Resilience Pathway can guide you. Take the next step in aligning yourself with environments that honor your worth and amplify your strengths. Explore the Resilience Pathway and begin your journey today.

Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation, a consulting and coaching firm dedicated to creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in DEI, leadership development, and resilience coaching, Sacha empowers individuals and organizations to align their values with meaningful, sustainable change. Through her personal journey and the development of the Resilience Pathway, she helps professionals navigate challenging environments and prioritize self-care for lasting success.