Many of us spend a significant portion of our waking hours — at least 35% of our week — at work. While the nature of our jobs can vary, one thing is clear: our work environment can deeply affect our mental health and the quality of our work. If we feel safe at work, our jobs become a place where we can show up authentically, exactly as we are. If we work in an environment that is tense, stressful, or lacks connection, this will negatively impact our well-being and our work. The atmosphere at work can spill into our personal lives, influencing our emotional experience inside and outside of the workplace.
A core principle of Xpedition's culture is the recognition and celebration of diverse, overlapping identities. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels secure and valued, particularly as a fully remote company with employees all across the world. At Xpedition, we understand that our experiences are shaped by various societal factors, including race, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, and more. These facets intertwine in complex ways, informing how we navigate the world. Kimberlé Crenshaw defines this concept as "intersectionality," or the idea that overlapping identities shape our life experiences. Acknowledging intersectionality helps us appreciate that perspectives vary significantly among team members in the workplace. By recognizing these nuances, we can better understand each other’s viewpoints and respond in ways that prioritize safe and inclusive spaces for everyone.
In order to uplift and acknowledge each team member’s unique perspective, it’s essential to actively create an emotionally and psychologically safe environment. By setting the groundwork for a safe space, we aim to enhance both individual well-being while also focusing on meaningful and impactful work. We have seen that a supportive work environment leads to higher employee retention as people who feel valued and secure are more likely to plant their roots in a company they believe in. Additionally, when team members feel comfortable openly sharing their ideas and concerns, the quality of work heightens because a greater sense of safety leads to increased innovation. We also understand the importance of accountability, so we encourage team members to share any ideas for improving our processes which helps create an open back and forth. Our commitment to collaboration enriches our work environment and invites creative problem-solving and solutions, positioning Xpedition for success in taking on diverse work.
While setting the stage for a supportive and inclusive workspace is a vital piece of the puzzle, it’s equally important to emphasize self-care (including downtime and rest) to support employee well-being. Because of this, we ask that all team members take at least three weeks of paid time off to disconnect from work every year. We also take mental health seriously by making support accessible and providing wellness offerings. These include access to licensed EAP (Employee Assistance Program) professionals who provide immediate help and referrals through in-person or virtual counseling. Additionally, a significant focus of our ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiative involves ensuring that all voices are recognized and valued in our daily work practices. We grasp that everyone's experiences are unique, and do our best to meet the needs of team members. By fostering a culture grounded in inclusivity and mental health awareness, we can create an environment that uplifts and respects diverse identities, helping all team members feel valued.
What are some ways you can help cultivate a safe workspace? Small actions and small conversations can lead to big change.
Claire Paluzzi, M.A., AMFT, is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. They earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in TV, Film, and Media Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and spent over a decade working in post-production. Claire went on to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Los Angeles, specializing in Depth Psychology.
During their training, Claire gained clinical experience at Beit T’Shuvah, where they worked with a diverse range of clients in recovery from addiction, and facilitated process groups for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. After completing their degree and training, Claire continued to work with private practice clients, while also venturing into an Organizational Psychology initiative at Xpedition.
Claire believes that authentic, meaningful connections foster transformation and healing. They are committed to creating safe, inclusive environments that support growth and change, both for individuals and within larger groups.