The Ultimate Guide to Building Employee Trust with Effective Communication

Why Trust is Critical in the Workplace?

Trust is a fundamental pillar in the workplace, crucial for cultivating a healthy, productive environment where employees feel respected, valued, and motivated. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Report, trust has continuously declined in companies headquartered in the largest exporting nations over the last decade.

The research indicates that leaders can reverse this trend with the right action. Trust can be rebuilt by communicating truthfully with employees, encouraging innovation thoughtfully, and giving employees a safe space to share questions, concerns, and feedback.

Key Findings and Insights:

  • Trust as a Foundation for Productivity:
    • A high-trust workplace supports employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation, enhancing overall productivity and performance.
  • Challenges to Trust:
    • Lack of transparency, inconsistent communication, withholding critical information, lack of accountability, and limited employee feedback impact trust within organizations.
  • Building High Trust:
    • Creating a high-trust environment requires a multifaceted approach encompassing transparency, empathy, and accountability. Organizations can create a supportive workplace where employees feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute, setting the stage for open dialogue and enhancing trust.

 

Expert Insights

To dive deeper into the connection between communication and employee trust during change, Haiilo turned to nine industry experts. Their insights shed light on how organizations can navigate challenges, embrace change, and foster employee trust during uncertainty.

Thank you to our experts:

  • Priya Bates, President, Inner Strength Communication Inc.
  • Maliha Aqeel, Founder & CEO, The Ideas Collective
  • Jo Eyre, Managing Director, Voxeon Communications
  • Shel Holtz, Sr. Director, Communications, Webcor
  • Natasha Nicholson, Content Marketing, Communication, and Brand Strategist, Traliant
  • Howard Krais, Co-Founder, True
  • Steve Crescenzo, CEO, Cresenzo Communications
  • Sia Papageorgiou, FRSA, FCSCE, SCMP, Managing Partner, CSCE

Recommendations for Leaders and Communication Professionals

  • Prioritize Communication

    Implement multichannel communica- tion to ensure all employees can access relevant information regarding decisions, goals, and organizational changes.

  • Listen with Intention

    Promote empathy and active listening to understand employee concerns and feedback.

  • Connect and Engage

    Encourage dialogue between leaders and employees to facilitate open communication.

  • Demonstrate Leadership

    Lead by example with integrity and accountability to strengthen connections within the workplace.

Download the full guide here!

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