The Hidden Cost of Distrust: How to Prevent Employee Skepticism from Sinking Your Profits

It’s surprising how employees can trust you enough to work for you but not enough to give their fullest potential. Nowadays, the trust that stems from an employment contract seems to be the only real trust we have in the workplace. What a shame! The relationship between employer and employee often boils down to a simple exchange: the employer pays the employee for their work.

Nonetheless, what happened to the kind of job security that meant you could start a job at age 18 and retire from it decades later? Today, it feels like only surface-level trust, bound by a contract, remains. Yet, why are there different levels of this kind of trust in the workplace, where employees might trust an employer in one area but not another?

The answer lies in the fact that employers often haven't given employees a reason to trust beyond the basics. If you want employees to work to their fullest potential, you need more than just surface-level trust.

Here are ways to build deeper employee trust:

Building Employee Trust

     1. Show You Have Their Best Interests in Mind    

Think about what you can offer beyond pay that would benefit employees. This should include more than great medical or dental coverage. Consider the following:

·         Schedule Flexibility    

·         Remote Working Options    

·         Increased Vacation and Paid Time Off    

·         Paid Professional Development Opportunities    

·         Positive Work Culture    

·         Recognition and Rewards for a Job Well Done    

·         Seeking and Valuing Employee Feedback    

·         Opportunities for Internal Advancement    

·         Demonstration of Empathy During Difficult Times    

     2. Communicate Openly and Transparently    

Open communication builds trust and helps employees believe in the company's vision and direction. Implementing a feedback loop empowers employees and involves them in decision-making processes. Be consistent and follow through on promises.

  Practical Steps to Build Trust

·         Be Transparent: Communicate openly about company goals, changes, and challenges.

·         Empower Employees: Involve them in decision-making processes.

·         Be Consistent: Follow through on commitments.

·         Manage Resistance with Empathy: Listen to concerns, address them openly, and provide support to help employees navigate change.

·         Demonstrate Commitment to Employee Well-being: Show that you care about their personal and professional development.

Creating a safe, supportive environment where employees feel confident adapting to change, collaborating effectively, and contributing to the organization’s success is crucial. When employers demonstrate that they have their employees' best interests in mind, trust is built or earned. This allows employers to lead their teams effectively, fostering a culture where employees believe in the company's vision and direction.

If you would like to know more about how managing employee trust can increase productivity, improve employee morale and decrease employee turnover, then check out our podcast, Reducing Profit Loss now available, not only on Spotify, but on iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Castbox, and Radio Public.

If you want to know more how my People-Powered-Profit System™, can help your company decrease employee disengagement, then check out the website.

If you would like to book a speaking engagement, then email info@resilienceconsultllc.com.

👋 Hi I'm Jene', (Business Process Management Consultant)

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