Building a culture of trust in the workplace is crucial to maximising employee satisfaction, retention rates, and overall organisational success. A trustworthy workplace culture is more likely to attract and retain potential and existing employees, so if you are looking to enhance your workplace culture and create a healthy workplace environment, building trust is certainly a step in the right direction.
The question is, how do you build this culture of trust in the workplace?
Luckily, we have compiled a list of 7 ways that you as an employer can do this:
- Show appreciation
Showing your appreciation for your employees and showing them that you care about their hard work and dedication to the company is a sure way to build trust. Research has shown that for employees in high trust companies, they experience 74% less stress and 76% more engagement, indicating that there is value in building trust within your workplace. A simple “Thank you” and small thoughtful gift can go a long way!
- Be transparent
Transparency and honesty is key in a high trust workplace – especially if you are a person in a leadership role, it is important that you’re honest and fully transparent about everything, from company culture to practices to projects. Share information that your employees also need to know to foster a successful collaborative environment.
- Actively listen
It can be frustrating when you’re trying to explain your concerns or problems to a team leader, but simply get ignored or have your issues overlooked. Don’t be that person! Practise active listening and truly listen to what your employees have to say. Empowering them by giving them a voice and making them feel heard can build trust.
- Think about the long-term
In terms of building trust, you can reap the benefits of this in the long run which is why it’s crucial to value long-term relationships with your employees. For example, employee perks like employee benefits insurance and retail discounts as part of their employee benefits package are ideal for enticing employees to remain loyal to the company, showing that you care about their financial wellbeing during this economically challenging time.
- Encourage vulnerability
It may seem daunting to be vulnerable in front of your employees, but gradually opening up to them can help build trust and prove to them that you’re personally relatable. However, make sure that you do this correctly and aren’t overly personal with what you share.
- Cultivate an environment that thrives on helping others
Helping others is a critical aspect of building trust within the workplace. Not only should you help your employees whenever you think they require assistance, but you should also encourage this behaviour from your employees as well so that they are motivated and willing to help their colleagues.
- Organise team-building activities
A team-building trip is a fun way to build trust within your team. Particularly, routine team-building activities, for example, at least every month or so, can be useful for team bonding and producing trustworthy relationships between team members and between the team and yourself. Make sure to change the activities now and then so that your team is always excited for a new adventure.
