Human Resources: Building Employee Trust

Want to be more successful in your HR role? Attract better talent? Make your job easier?

Foster trust at work.

Today, we continue our 5-part series on top HR trends for 2020 by exploring why trust is so important in the workplace – and how, as an HR professional, you can build trust with managers and employees alike.

Why does trust matter in the modern workplace?

For HR professionals, building trust is more than a nice idea; it’s fundamental to business and career success:

• Trust improves employee performance. Employees who work in high-trust organizations offer more ideas and solutions, and many are willing to work longer hours.
• Trust attracts better talent. High performers want to work for organizations in which they’re trusted and empowered to do their jobs, without fear of micromanagement. Building a reputation as an employer with a high-trust culture draws more exceptional people to your company.
• Trust makes being the “middleman” easier. As an HR professional, you’re frequently in the middle of tough situations. To do your job effectively, employees, managers and senior leaders must trust you to be consistent and fair, while also representing your company’s best interests.

Given the unique position you’re in, how can you foster meaningful relationships and build a culture of trust, while also supporting your company’s best interests? Here are a few tips to try:

Be transparent.

Multiple studies indicate that transparency is the most significant predictor of employee happiness. Help employees understand what’s going on in your organization by communicating plans, changes and news (both good and bad) thoroughly and frequently.

Solicit employee feedback.

Surveys, performance reviews and exit interviews all offer opportunities to find out what employees are thinking. Gathering feedback and acting on it shows that your organization truly cares about people and that caring builds trust.

Be sure company policies and benefits foster respect.

Laws are evolving. Our workforce is becoming more diverse. Younger generations have different priorities and values. Review your company’s policies and benefits to ensure they show employees that they’re valued, respected and treated fairly.

Be consistent.

In HR, you’re frequently required to navigate situations that aren’t black-and-white. Although you may be unsure of the best course of action right away, consistency in the way you respond to employees, the way you reflect your company’s belief and core values, and your commitment to finding solutions will build trust with everyone you serve.

Want more tips for capitalizing on 2020 HR trends?

Keep an eye on our blog. In future posts, we will explore the biggest HR trends in more detail, providing actionable tips your team can use to make it an amazing year.

PrideStaff: A Trusted Staffing Partner

Struggling with hiring, turnover, compliance or other HR issues? Trust PrideStaff to develop solutions to your biggest HR challenges. To get started, contact your local PrideStaff office today.