30 JUL 2023

One in four don’t feel trusted at work, research finds.

A research study conducted by technology provider Slack reveals that one in four desk workers do not feel trusted at work, despite the majority of them meeting or exceeding managerial expectations.

The research surveyed 10,387 workers across six countries. Trusted employees reported higher levels of productivity, focus, and overall job satisfaction compared to those who do not feel trusted. Specifically, trusted employees were found to have 2.1 times better focus, 1.9 times higher productivity, and 4.3 times greater overall satisfaction with work. On the other hand, employees who do not feel trusted experienced elevated levels of anxiety and stress, worse access to work resources and networks, and a lower sense of belonging. Consequently, such employees were more than twice as likely to consider seeking new job opportunities.

The study emphasises the importance of trust-building in organisations, as it leads to a virtuous cycle of hard work and improved performance. For organisations lacking trust, there can be a cascading effect, with managers who feel untrusted being more likely to doubt the work ethic of their direct reports.

To foster trust within an organization, HR plays a pivotal role in identifying areas where trust is lacking and understanding the underlying reasons. Potential reasons for a lack of trust include limited interaction across departments, particularly in the context of remote or hybrid working arrangements, and a lack of understanding about colleagues' job roles. HR must work collaboratively with different teams, encourage transparent communication, and demonstrate integrity to build trust throughout the organization. By doing so, organisations can reap the benefits of a more productive and satisfied workforce.