61% of Employees Believe Leaders Mislead Them

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer indicates that 61% of global respondents believe their business leaders intentionally mislead them, leading to widespread distrust. This not only affects employee attitudes but also significantly impacts productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. However, experts from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) propose that companies can navigate these challenges by remaining authentic and staying true to their core values.

Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO, ICF, illuminates the multifaceted reasons behind global employee distrust. She highlights a unique fusion of elements, including the ongoing pandemic, the coexistence of multiple workforce generations and the widespread influence of technology and artificial intelligence. “People are naturally a little suspicious and at the same time, not very sure how to navigate for themselves and even less so for their working situation,” says Mook. 

Similarly, Ian Bruce, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester, notes the significance of trust as a precious commodity, intricately shaped by diverse forces influencing the perceptions and expectations of both employees and employers.

To address distrust, companies need to prioritize in effectively communicating their corporate values. Modern workers are actively seeking organizations with broader goals beyond profit generation; they aspire to contribute to a greater purpose, states Mook. Consequently, she underscores the significance of engaging employees in decision-making, pointing to their desire to have a voice in company decisions and experience career development. 

Amidst global economic challenges, the trust employees invest in their employers takes on heightened significance. Leaders who embody inclusivity, attentive listening, and a willingness to be vulnerable emerge as pivotal figures capable of both maintaining and cultivating trust. For this to occur, employees need to engage in these conversations openly, raising questions instead of accusations and promoting a collaborative and constructive dialogue. 

Forrester's State of Global Business Buyer Trust In 2023 report reveals that trust is nuanced and varies based on proximity. Respondents exhibit higher trust levels in co-workers (82%) compared to larger institutions like the government officials (51%) highlighting how closeness fosters higher levels of trust within workplace relationships compared to interactions with distant entities.Proximity, whether physical or psychological, also plays a crucial role in building trust. Bruce emphasizes that trust is not a blanket issue with businesses but often stems from experiences with large, anonymous entities.