What is the science behind safe practice spaces in learning

We learn best when we feel safe to try, fail, and try again. But in the workplace, mistakes can be costly — financially, operationally, or even in terms of safety. That’s why creating a safe practice space is so powerful.

Far from being a “nice to have,” the idea of safe practice is backed by decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and education.

1. Psychological safety drives learning

Dr. Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety shows that when people feel free to take risks without fear of punishment, they learn faster. In a training context, this means giving learners space to make mistakes without real-world consequences.

2. Deliberate practice builds mastery

Anders Ericsson’s research into deliberate practice highlights that expertise comes from repeated, focused practice with feedback. Safe practice spaces allow exactly this: repeatable cycles where learners refine their approach.

3. Emotions enhance memory

Neuroscience tells us that emotional arousal strengthens memory. Realistic scenarios — where learners feel the tension of a tough conversation or the responsibility of a safety decision — activate emotional pathways that make learning stick.

4. Feedback loops shape behaviour

From behaviourist psychology to modern learning science, the evidence is clear: immediate feedback reinforces desired behaviours and corrects errors quickly.

Example in action

In the hospitality sector, managers are responsible for running busy venues while also keeping a close eye on profit and loss. Many found the financial side daunting — even after traditional training.

We created a simulation where managers could practise running a virtual venue, making decisions that affected stock, staffing, and sales. Each choice had an impact on the P&L, allowing them to see the consequences in real time.

Without the pressure of the real world, managers could experiment, learn from mistakes, and try again. The result was greater confidence in managing their P&L and a stronger grasp of how day-to-day decisions drove financial outcomes.

Bottom line

Safe practice spaces aren’t just about making training “fun.” They’re grounded in science. They give learners the psychological safety, repetition, and feedback they need to turn knowledge into confident action.