SECURE MINDS, PRODUCTIVE WORK: LINKING ANXIETY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

This study explores the relationship between anxiety, psychological safety, and productivity in the workplace, addressing two primary questions: whether highly anxious individuals can perceive psychological safety in their work environment, and if psychological safety and anxiety influence productivity levels of the employees. Using a quantitative methodology, a survey was conducted among employed individuals in Iran and Portugal, collecting data from 184 participants. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between anxiety and perceived psychological safety, indicating that increased anxiety is associated with feeling less safe in the workplace. Additionally, the results highlight a positive relationship between psychological safety and productivity, suggesting that environments fostering psychological safety can improve employee performance. However, the study also uncovers that anxiety does not have negative effects on productivity as hypothesized. Overall, this research underscores the crucial role of mental health in workplace dynamics, demonstrating that anxiety influences the perception of psychological safety and showing that both anxiety and psychological safety significantly impact productivity. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how organizations can create supportive environments that promote mental well-being and enhance overall performance.