5 Ways to Build Employee Trust

Establishing trust within the workplace is one of the most important ways to build employee morale. In fact, researchers found that if a workplace is able to “foster a strong sense of trust within their organization they can see a number of benefits including:

• Increased productivity amongst staff,
• Improved morale amongst employees and staff,
• The ability to work more effectively as a time, rather than individuals,
• Reduced time to make and discuss key issues as individuals trust in the judgment and expertise of their colleagues.”

Here are five ways to build employee trust:

1. Support Them

One of the best ways to build trust with your employees is to support them. This is especially pertinent when it comes to clients or customers. If a customer or client berates your employee for something that is out of their control or a simple mistake, be there for them. Instead of taking out your frustrations with that employee, offer them support and personally call your client back to have a civil discussion to rectify the issue. No one should be allowed to berate or demean your employees; after all, you’re a team. If necessary, sever ties with that client and always remember to remind your employees that you appreciate them.

2. Spend Time With Them Outside of Work

Hosting bonding events, going to lunch, volunteering as a group, forming an office intermural team… these are all great ways to spend time together outside of work and create bonds with your employees. One of the best ways to build employee trust is to create opportunities to spend time together outside of the confines of the office. You’ll get a peek into your employee’s personal lives, have the opportunity to let loose, and of course, get to know each other at a deeper level and make memories.

3. Be Authentic and Vulnerable

One of the best ways to build trust is to be authentic and vulnerable with your team. If you want people to be passionate about their work, the best way to foster that is to lead by example. Inspire them with your experiences and your story, be real and transparent with them so that they feel comfortable to do the same thing.

4. Encourage Two-Way Communication

Often times, communication is the main failure of an organization. Managers and bosses believe that because all of their directives, initiatives, and deadlines are being met, communication must be adequate enough. Of course, meeting demands doesn’t mean that communication is effective. Part of owning a business and hiring people from all walks of life is considering (and sometimes implementing) other people’s ideas! A two-way dialogue is one of the best ways to build employee trust. If your employees feel as though brainstorm sessions, town-halls, surveys, and one-on-one meetings are a safe space, then they will feel more inclined to share their ideas.

5. Play A Get To Know You Game

Getting to know your employees and showing interest in their personal lives, hidden talents, and passions is the best way to develop trust with your employees. Over lunch or in a meeting, ask your employees one of these “getting to know you questions.” It doesn’t have to be work or industry-related and the sillier the better! Of course, it’s not enough to ask the question. You have to listen and listen hard. Take note of the things that they say and use them as a springboard for finding ways to appreciate all of their hard work or celebrate achievements and special occasions.

It’s clear that there’s nothing more important and influential int he overall health fo a company than having happy, healthy, satisfied employees. Workplace satisfaction is the main proponent of what keeps an employee engaged and motivated at work, so why not take all of the steps necessary to ensure productivity?