Across the fire service, crews depend on strong relationships and mutual trust every day. Researchers say workplace culture can have a measurable impact on health and safety outcomes, with studies examining how conflict and mistreatment can influence mental health, well-being, and workplace safety.
Those topics will be the focus of a June 18 webinar led by Dr. Kellie O’Dare, a nationally recognized researcher in first responder behavioral health. The session will explore how psychological safety and workplace incivility influence overall mental health outcomes in the fire service.
Psychological safety generally refers to an environment where members feel comfortable asking questions, seeking help, admitting mistakes, or raising concerns without fear of negative consequences.
The webinar will also examine situations in which employees feel their concerns were not adequately addressed by their organization — and how those factors can affect well-being.
IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist Lindsay Longo says organizational culture plays an important role in shaping members’ experiences on the job. “Harassment and discrimination are a health and safety issue,” Longo said. “They measurably harm both behavioral and physical health while also increasing the risk of injury and unsafe conditions.”
Register for the webinar
Learn more about Dr. O’Dare’s webinar, “Psychological Safety, Workplace Incivility, and Institutional Betrayal: Organizational Factors Shaping Mental Health in First Responders,” scheduled for June 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET. Register via the link here.
The session will feature Hannah Elmore, a clinical outreach coordinator at the IAFF Center of Excellence.
The center’s outreach team is also available to help IAFF members find a licensed therapist who specializes in working with first responders. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
