Trust is the cornerstone of all workplace relationships

When you think of the meaning of the word ‘Trust’, what other words come to mind? Confidence, strength, integrity, or maybe, dependence, reliance, promise. Is trust given or earned? The term trust can mean different things, to do different people.  

We can all appreciate the importance of trust in our personal relationships, but what about in the workplace? How do we view relationships with our team, our colleagues and even our bosses? The truth is that trust in the workplace environment is just as important as it is in personal relationships. 

Without a culture of trust, an organisation will lack any kind of bonding between its workers and, with this, you can be sure that there will be few acts of kindness. All in all, the result of a lack of trust is an organisation that doesn’t work. It leads to constant suspicion between colleagues, and it leaves leaders holding no influence whatsoever. 

As you read on, we’re going to consider the benefits that a company experiences when it makes trust its cornerstone. We’re also going to consider what actions can be taken to start to grow workplace trust right now. Read on to find out more. 

What are the benefits of workplace trust? 

Businesses have a choice to make when it comes to relationships. They can be based upon a culture of trust or they can be based on toxicity and suspicion. Clearly, the latter will cause a business to struggle to operate efficiently as well as make it difficult to keep staff turnaround in check. Let’s take a look at exactly why the only real choice is trust: 

• When there is a culture of trust there is a boost in both morale and motivation  
• When there is trust across a team, it’s able to collaborate more effectively  
• Trust leads to a happier workplace and this leads to efficiency and cost savings 
• With trust in place, there is a confidence that colleagues and leaders will make decisions that are ethical  
• If a team trusts a company then it’s likely to be loyal  
• A culture of trust helps to reduce levels of stress within a workplace 
• If a company is looking to implement change, a team that trusts its leaders will offer less resistance  
• Leaders who are trusted hold more influence and are able to get their team on board 
• Trust is a key part of mentoring and coaching team members who are looking to progress  

How can leaders build a culture of trust? 

While there is a need for bonding between team members, there is also a need for trust to be placed within leaders. It’s leaders who have the ability to set the company culture and if they want this to be one of trust, they should consider the following: 

• Employees need a voice and to be listened to and their ideas need to be taken on board  
• Expectations should be consistent so that team members know where they stand  
• Regardless of how difficult it may be, employees should be told the truth 
• Leaders need to follow through. There is a need to do what they said they will 
• Every colleague needs to be treated with dignity and respect 
• Leaders need to display kindness and compassion to their teams  
• Leaders need to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the values of the company