How to build trust in the workplace

There is no doubt that trust is a fundamental quality of any successful workplace. In fact, trust is mutually beneficial for both leaders in a company and those who are working alongside them. Not only can it help keep staff retention rates high, but it can also improve efficiency and productivity within the team, which can lead to the cultivation of a better reputation for the business and even increased revenue. As trust should be advocated and prioritised in professional sectors, it is worth exploring how to build trust in the workplace and the benefits of doing so.

10 steps on how to build trust in the workplaces

Firstly, it is important to encourage communication across all segments of a business. This means creating a safe space where members of staff can share their opinions or suggestions with others without the fear of being penalised. A good way to do this is to encourage teammates to take part in active listening whereby everyone feels heard.

Another way to consolidate trust in a working environment is to appreciate your respective team members. Whether it is a small accomplishment or a big achievement, it is important to integrate words of affirmation and acknowledgement into the workplace to show everyone that they are a valued member of the team.

Furthermore, trust can also come in the form of including others from different walks of life. In order to make every member of the team feel safe, it is crucial to practice inclusivity by accepting every employee regardless of their background or personal circumstances. This means refraining from making any judgements and calling out instances where one person is being excluded.

A flourishing workplace will also embrace change that is postulated by members of the team and leaders won’t be afraid to change traditional ways of doing things. Indeed, it is also a good idea to take part in shared activities outside of work to build trusting relationships that will translate to a professional backdrop.

Of course, building trust between colleagues in similar job roles is equally as important as increasing trust between those in managerial positions and employees. This can be achieved through team exercises, which are an effective way to harness effective leadership and to let the team know that you have their best interests at heart. They are also a unique way for team members to bond with each other as well as simultaneously increasing their confidence.

In addition, a trusting working environment will have a good leader that will not only be helpful and supportive if someone in the team has made a mistake, but will also take accountability for their own shortcomings. Doing so will help members of the team humanise those in leadership positions and trust that there is space for open and honest dialogue.

On top of this, a thriving workplace is one that is free of dictation and instead encourages collaborative feedback from members of the team. If employees are secure and confident in the knowledge that their feedback is being considered and change is being enforced as a result, they are more likely to trust that their voice matters in the company and stay loyal to it.

Moreover, in order to instil a sense of belonging into a group of workers, it is crucial to encourage collaboration with other members of the team. While job roles can vary and some may require a lot of independent work, leaders should ensure that there are opportunities where team projects can be completed.

Lastly, those in leadership positions should be consistent in their demeanour even in times when they are frustrated. Remaining calm and collected in difficult situations will help employees keep anxious feelings at bay and trust that they aren’t going to be on the receiving end of a negative outburst.

How Team Academy can help you build trust in the workplace

As experts at Team Academy, we are aware of how trust is integral to boosting productivity and levels of satisfaction in the workplace. We believe that trust is just as important in a professional context as it is in personal and familial relationships.

As we are aware of the responsibility and importance that leaders have in every organisation, we encourage you not only to learn how to build trust in the workplace, but also how to maintain it.

With our unique leadership training, we encourage those in managerial roles to become better role models by nurturing trust. So, why not contact Team Academy to see how we can help you?