Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces: Insights from Mary Ann Baynton
- Calltime Mental Health
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
In our latest Calltime Podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mary Ann Baynton, Chief Experience Officer at Marianne Baynton Associates and Director of Strategy for Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. Mary Ann brings years of experience in supporting mental health and wellness in the workplace, and she shared some incredible insights on how to create a psychologically safe work environment—especially in industries like film, where stress and uncertainty are part of the job.
Navigating Stress and Expectations
Mary Ann highlights that the pressure to be “perfect”, particularly for film workers, who may be dealing with fluctuating work schedules and financial uncertainty. "Most of our mental stress comes from wishing people or situations were different than they are," says Mary Ann, encouraging us to manage expectations and focus on what we can control.
For many of us in the film sector, this rings especially true, as we face unpredictable work cycles. The pressure to meet expectations in a high-stakes industry can quickly lead to burnout.
Empowering Workers with Mental Health Strategies
One of Mary Ann’s standout suggestions is the "Name, Claim, and Reframe" technique. This simple approach helps workers identify what they’re feeling and challenge negative thoughts. “When you're in a stressful situation, name what you're experiencing. Then claim the story you’re telling yourself, and reframe it in a more constructive way.”
This is especially helpful for film workers who often face self-doubt or pressure during auditions, shoots, or while navigating unpredictable career paths.
The Four A’s of Stress Management
Mary Ann also introduced The Four A’s: Adapt, Alter, Avoid, and Accept, a powerful tool for managing stress:
Adapt: Change how you interact with the stressor.
Alter: Modify your environment to make things manageable.
Avoid: Say no to stressors that are unnecessary.
Accept: Accept what can't be changed and focus on what you can control.
These strategies are perfect for the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where workers often face intense deadlines and external pressures.
Psychological Safety in the Film Industry
Mary Ann stressed the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety in the workplace, which is vital for long-term mental health and productivity. “Employers and leaders need to foster trust and support within their teams, while workers must also take responsibility for their mental health.” She also recommended resources for leaders, such as the Psychologically Safe Leader Method, which helps managers support their teams in a healthy, proactive way.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
For more valuable insights and practical tips on managing stress, fostering psychological safety, and improving overall well-being, be sure to listen to the full episode with Mary Ann Baynton. Her advice is not only practical but also deeply compassionate, making it essential listening for anyone working in the high-pressure world of film and entertainment.
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health:
An initiative providing free, practical ideas, tools, and resources to help with the prevention, intervention, and management of workplace mental health issues.https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/
FlourishDx:
A platform providing tools and resources for managing psychosocial risks and promoting psychological health and safety. FlourishDX
Psychologically Safe Leader Method:
A resource designed to help leaders create and maintain psychologically safe workplaces.https://www.mindfulemployer.ca/psychologicallysafeleadermethod
National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Z1003):
A set of voluntary guidelines, tools, and resources intended to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work.https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/
ISO 45003: Psychological health and safety at work
An international standard providing guidelines for managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html
Comments