Building Civility and Psychological Safety
November 12, 2026
7:45 AM - 9:30 AM
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BoatWerks Restaurant
216 Van Raalte Ave
Holland, MI 49423
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In today’s complex work environments, civility and psychological safety are essential foundations for inclusion, innovation, and employee well-being. This session defines these critical concepts and explores their impact on workplace culture and performance. Attendees will gain practical strategies to foster respectful interactions, build trust, and create environments where employees feel safe to speak up and be authentic.
The session emphasizes actionable organizational levers and behaviors that leaders and teams can adopt immediately to activate a healthier, more engaged culture. Participants will also learn how to overcome common barriers and sustain these cultural norms over time.
Learning Objectives:
- Define civility and psychological safety and their impact on culture and performance
- Identify behaviors and organizational levers that build or erode psychological safety
- Apply actionable strategies to promote respect and trust within team
Gary Abernathy is the Vice President of Culture & Inclusion Consulting at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), where he leads the Culture and Inclusion Practice. With over 25 years of experience in workforce strategy and analytics, he delivers data-driven insights that enhance employee engagement and optimize talent strategies. Gary holds an MBA from Walsh College and is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). He successfully launched the Culture & Inclusion Practice, providing strategic consulting, training, and organizational assessments to drive employee engagement and belonging.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gary is dedicated to community service and leadership development. He serves on the executive boards of organizations such as Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan, National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), and Community Housing Network (CHN). As an Assistant Football Coach at Cass Tech High School, he fosters teamwork among young athletes. Recognized as a Notable Executive in DE&I by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021 and as Corp Magazine's Diversity Business Leader of the Year in 2019, Gary is known for his friendly, empathetic, and resourceful nature. He believes success lies in transforming people and cultures by equipping them with the knowledge and resources to create workplaces where all team members feel welcomed, valued and respected.
Tickets
$0.00 Member Registration
$50.00 Non-Member Registration
