How to Build a Team That Feels Safe, Heard, and Appreciated
HR matters in every workplace –From large corporations to small businesses with just a few people– In fact, when your business is small, (maybe it’s made up of family or community members), everything is amplified.
If one person feels unheard or unvalued, that feeling can ripple through the entire team.
And when times get tough like now, with rising costs and new tariffs; those human connections become even more important. Your people are your most valuable resource. They deserve care, attention, and leadership that helps them feel safe and supported.
First the Foundation: What is Active Listening and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into tips, let’s start with one essential skill: active listening.
Active listening means more than just hearing words. It’s about being fully present, showing interest, and making the other person feel truly heard and understood.
Here’s how to practice it:
Focus completely on the speaker (put down your phone, stop multitasking)
Summarize or repeat back what you heard to confirm understanding. “So what you’re saying is…”
Ask clarifying questions instead of jumping to conclusions “Can you tell me more about what felt unfair?”
Hold back judgment or quick advice. Just listen first
When people feel truly listened to, they feel respected. And when they feel respected, they’re more likely to stay, contribute, and speak up when it counts.
Now, let’s look at five practical ways to create a positive and fair workplace culture, no matter your company size.
1. Be Honest About the Hard Stuff
You don’t need to have all the answers; but your team needs to trust that you’re being real with them.
Even if jobs are secure, people can still feel stress, especially if there’s a risk of reduced hours, tighter budgets, or having to stretch resources. For example, if you’re feeling pressure from rising costs or funding challenges, be honest, be transparent in a way that includes them, not shut them out.
Use this kind of approach:
“We’re feeling the pinch with these new costs. I want to be open with you so we can work together and find smart ways to adapt.”
Being real builds trust. And when people trust you, they show up with more care, flexibility, and creativity.
2. Ask for Input
People want to feel heard. Whether it’s about work hours, how tasks are done, or new challenges, just asking for feedback helps people feel included. You don’t have to act on every suggestion, but showing you care enough to ask makes a difference.
Use this approach:
“We’re thinking of changing how we do inventory. What’s been working for you, and what’s not?”
Good ideas can be put into practice quickly. And when team members see their input valued, their pride and loyalty grow.
3. Recognize Effort, Not Just Results
In a small team, it’s easy to notice mistakes. But do you take time to notice the good things?
When someone stays late, helps out, or brings a great attitude; say something.
Use this approach:
“I saw you stayed late to help load that shipment. Thank you! That really helped today.”
Simple, sincere recognition keeps morale strong, especially during tough times like now.
4. Keep It Fair
Nothing breaks trust faster than unfair treatment. In small businesses, people notice:
If one person gets special treatment
If rules aren’t applied equally
If decisions seem based on favouritism
It may not be intentional, but fairness matters. Take time to reflect on your own habits and stay consistent.
5. Make Time to Check In
Even when things are busy, find time at least once a week or every couple of weeks to check in with each person. It can be short, even just 10 minutes.
Ask how they’re doing, not just what they’re doing. And listen more than you talk.
Use this approach:
“How have things been for you lately at work? Is there anything you’d like to change or improve?”
These check-ins help prevent issues, solve small problems early, and remind people that they matter.
Conclusion
When your team feels safe, heard, and valued, they’ll stick with you and grow with you.
And that’s what makes an Indigenous business strong. Even in uncertain times, leadership built on fairness, listening, and trust creates something powerful: a team that stands together.