(Analysis by Trusted Advisors team)
Trust in the workplace is a key element for the proper functioning of a company. It refers to the belief that an individual can have in the ability, integrity, and intentions of their colleagues. Trust among colleagues is important as it creates an environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas and take risks. It is also essential for improving communication, collaboration, and decision making.
According to a study by the Workplace Trust Institute, companies where employees have strong trust in each other have a 28% higher chance of achieving an increase in revenue compared to those where trust is low. Another study conducted by Gallup Institute found that employees who strongly trust their work environment are 87% more engaged in their work. This means that employees who trust feel more motivated and invest more in their work, which can lead to an improvement in productivity and results for the company.
There are several factors that contribute to trust among colleagues. Transparency is one of the most important. Employees need to know what is happening in the company to feel trust. Reciprocity is also important, employees need to feel comfortable sharing their own ideas and opinions for trust to be reciprocal. Responsibility and vulnerability are also key factors. Employees need to feel safe to take risks and accept their mistakes, which helps to strengthen trust. Finally, empathy is important, employees need to feel understood and supported to feel trust.
There are several ways to strengthen trust among colleagues. Creating a trust climate is one of the best ways. Employers can create an environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas and take risks. Training in communication and conflict resolution is also important, it allows to solve problems before they become too big. Recognition of achievements and implementation of effective feedback processes are also effective ways to strengthen trust among colleagues. Recognition of achievements allows employees to feel valued and appreciated for their work, which strengthens their trust in themselves and their work environment. Effective feedback processes allow employees to receive constructive feedback on their work, which helps them improve and feel trust in their ability to succeed.
It is important to note that trust is not built automatically, it takes time and effort to build and maintain trust among colleagues. Employers must be aware of this and be willing to invest time and resources to strengthen trust in the workplace.
Finally, it is important to note the negative consequences for a company that lacks trust among colleagues. Decrease in motivation, resistance to change, decrease in productivity, and loss of talent are some of the negative effects. Employers must be aware of these consequences and be willing to take measures to strengthen trust in the workplace.
In conclusion, trust among colleagues is a key element for the proper functioning of a company. It allows to create an environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas and take risks. Transparency, reciprocity, responsibility, vulnerability, and empathy are important factors to strengthen trust. Employers must be aware of the importance of trust and be willing to invest time and resources to strengthen trust in the workplace.