April 28 marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a global reminder that protecting workers is more than just a checklist—it’s a commitment.
Traditionally, safety at work meant helmets, emergency drills, and hazard signs. Today, it’s also about something just as vital: how employees feel.
The idea of safety has evolved. It’s no longer just about guarding bodies; it’s also about guarding minds. Psychological safety—feeling secure to speak up, take risks, and express oneself without fear—is as important as physical protection.
This shift means internal communication professionals have a bigger role than ever. They are now the storytellers, connectors, and champions of safe cultures. They create environments where employees don’t just survive—they thrive.
What Is Psychological and Physical Safety at Work?
Let’s break it down:
- Physical Safety is about protecting people from injuries, hazards, or unsafe environments.
- Psychological Safety is the ability to speak freely, share ideas, admit mistakes, and voice concerns without fear of embarrassment or punishment.
Both types of safety are essential. According to Gallup, only 3 in 10 employees strongly agree that their opinions count at work—and that lack of psychological safety leads to disengagement, stress, and high turnover.
When employees feel both physically secure and mentally supported, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal.
Why Safety Belongs in Your Internal Comms Strategy
Your internal communications team isn’t just relaying messages. They’re building trust. Here’s why safety must be part of your communication game plan:
- It builds trust. People listen to brands they trust—especially when it’s their own employer.
- It improves morale. Fewer injuries and less stress mean happier teams.
- It humanizes leadership. Open conversations around safety show that leadership genuinely cares.
- It aligns values. Safety becomes part of your culture, not just a rulebook requirement.
5 Internal Comms Strategies to Promote a Culture of Safety
- Make Safety a Daily Dialogue
Include safety updates in newsletters, Slack messages, town halls. Make it part of the everyday conversation—not just when something goes wrong.
- Normalize Conversations Around Mental Health
Mental health matters. Share stories about burnout recovery, coping strategies, and resources available. Collaborate with HR or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Share Real Voices and Real Stories
Nothing connects like human stories. Highlight team members who raised safety concerns or made improvements. Use short videos, testimonials, or internal blogs.
- Enable Two-Way Communication
Give employees ways to safely and anonymously share feedback. Pulse surveys, suggestion boxes, and Q&As can make employees feel seen and heard.
- Recognize Safe Behaviors and Supportive Actions
Celebrate not just the “what” of safety, but the “who.” Highlight team members who lead with empathy, model safety-first behavior, and promote mental well-being.
Ideas for April 28: Activate and Celebrate Safety
This World Day for Safety and Health at Work, try a week-long campaign. Here’s what you can include:
- Daily physical safety tips with demos or quick video reminders
- Mental wellness check-ins with quick reflection tools or resources
- Live sessions or Q&As with leaders sharing their commitment to safety
- Panel talks on psychological safety featuring real employees
- Launch a “Speak Up” initiative that invites open, honest feedback
Why Sparrow Connected Is the Communication Engine Behind Safer Workplaces
Creating a culture that prioritizes physical and psychological safety takes more than good intentions—it requires the right communication tools. That’s where Sparrow Connected comes in. Our platform is designed to help organizations build trust, creates transparency, and create space for two-way communication—exactly what's needed to support the mind, body, and soul of your workforce.
Need to keep safety messages front and center? Use automated campaigns to send consistent, scheduled safety reminders across mobile apps, email, intranet, and more. Want to normalize mental health conversations? Tap into our content personalization to deliver relevant wellness resources to different employee groups. Looking to give employees a voice? Enable pulse surveys, anonymous feedback channels, and real-time engagement insights that help you listen—and act.
With targeted messaging, you can ensure frontline teams, remote employees, and office staff all receive safety communications in the way that works best for them. Recognizing safety champions is easy too—with employee shoutouts and storytelling tools like podcasts and videos built right into the platform.
At Sparrow Connected, we’re not just about broadcasting messages—we’re about helping you create meaningful conversations around safety. That’s how we help organizations move from compliance to true connection.
Communication Is the Safety Net
In today’s workplace, safety is non-negotiable. And it’s more than signs and safety drills—it’s also about emotional support, honest conversations, and making sure everyone feels heard.
Internal communications is the bridge between what leadership says and what employees feel. When you create a workplace where safety is the norm, not the exception, you’re building more than a team. You’re building trust, engagement, and a culture of care.
To help you strengthen your internal comms strategy, download our free asset from last week: "Interactive Employee Engagement and Communication Survey" It’ll help you build a safer, stronger communication framework—because your team deserves nothing less.
What’s Next?
