The art of building workplace trust

In the modern workplace, trust remains the linchpin for cohesive and high-performing teams. This article revisits fundamental strategies to nurture trust among your workforce, reinforcing team performance and solidarity.

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Entrepreneur

In a landscape where trust seems to be in short supply, fostering a culture of trust within the workplace is paramount. A 2021 survey conducted by the LSE Business Review across the European Union revealed a disheartening reality – fewer than half of employees feel trusted at work. But all is not lost; there are tangible steps you can take to build trust among your team, reinforcing their belief in your leadership and, in turn, fostering trust amongst themselves.

Embrace honesty and transparency

Trust hinges on honesty and transparency. It may appear paradoxical to deliver candid feedback to an underperforming employee, as discomfort often accompanies such discussions. However, by consistently demonstrating your commitment to truthfulness, even in difficult moments, you are actively cultivating trust.

During performance appraisals or routine check-ins, acknowledge an employee’s strengths and areas requiring improvement. Lay out a clear roadmap for their progress, elucidate how they can enhance their performance, and outline your team’s commitment to aiding their development. Concealing opinions or obscuring workflows only breeds distrust.

Inject humanity into the workplace

Injecting humanity into the work environment plays a pivotal role in building trust. While maintaining professionalism is essential, it’s equally important to exude warmth and approachability. Remembering personal details about your team members or demonstrating empathy when unexpected circumstances arise can go a long way.

Consider scheduling monthly work-related social events, such as happy hours, to facilitate connections among team members. It’s also prudent to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen employee absences due to illness or emergencies. Communicate these plans in advance and reassure your team that you recognise them as individuals with lives beyond the workplace.

Foster receptivity

Being open to feedback and ideas from your employees is another cornerstone of trust. As a leader, you may guide the ship, but you are an integral part of the crew. During check-in meetings or other scheduled interactions, create a platform for questions and comments, and commit to following up on valuable suggestions.

The perspectives of your employees hold immense value, as they are the driving force behind the organisation’s work. Strive to mould the workplace to align with their requirements, enabling them to perform at their best. Demonstrating your willingness to listen to their concerns and ideas not only builds trust but also fosters a reciprocal trust in your leadership.

In a world where trust at work is a scarce commodity, these strategies can help you to build a path towards a workplace built on mutual trust and respect. By embracing honesty, injecting humanity, and fostering receptivity, you can ensure your workplace is a nurturing environment, benefitting everyone involved.