Amid growing backlash against diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), this study centers on the continued importance of DEIA perceptions and psychologically safe environments in enhancing job satisfaction. This study examines how diversity perceptions influence job satisfaction among a diverse federal workforce in the United States, with a particular focus on the role of psychological safety. Despite growing emphasis on DEIA, psychological safety has received comparatively little attention as a means to enhance job satisfaction in the workplace. Using data from the 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), this study addresses this gap by exploring how perceptions of DEIA influence federal employees’ job satisfaction in the public sector. This study investigates the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between DEIA perceptions and job satisfaction. By fostering an environment where employees feel secure(safe) discussing DEIA topics, the research seeks to illuminate how psychological safety impacts job satisfaction in diverse workplaces. This is especially important given the current backlash against DEIA policies in the US. The findings of this study will contribute to public management research by introducing an understudied variable—psychological safety—and its potential effects in the public sector. Additionally, the results offer valuable insights into designing effective DEIA strategies that enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction in federal organizations, advancing the understanding of these complex dynamics.
Suk et al. (Wed,) studied this question.