Let the team take breaks from work
As the Harvard Business School blog states, the first step to a safe environment is to allow workers to take breaks during the day. Give subordinates space to socialise from time to time, rather than just working constantly. You yourself can initiate such short breaks by, for example, buying the team desserts and taking an unplanned half-hour break. Even little things like this can work wonders in terms of workplace atmosphere and stress reduction.
Avoid a fatalistic approach to mistakes
A manager should never see mistakes as something that must not happen. Such a fatalistic attitude towards missteps only leads to subordinates not wanting to experiment or innovate. Rethink your approach to mistakes and teach subordinates to learn from errors.
Make sure you pay the same attention to everyone, not just the loudest ones
A common problem with managers is devoting attention to those subordinates who make the most noise and complain a lot. Employees who have good ideas and comments but are less vocal then justifiably feel left out. This situation creates an uncomfortable and frustrating dynamic within the team. Learn to pay equal attention to all your subordinates, including those who are seemingly untroubled.
Build a culture of mutual respect
In the long run, the only way to build a psychologically safe and warm environment is for everyone on the team to show one another the utmost respect. This is especially true of a manager's relationship with subordinates.
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