In the world of business, trust is everything. This is especially true between your business and customers and/or clients. However, many companies miss another crucial relationship that relies on trust: employers and employees.
Do you feel like your organization could improve in this area? Here are five key ways to help build upon employee-employer trust and create a better workplace.
1. Open Communication
One of the most important elements in trust building is to have open communication with your team. Your human resources (HR) team should have a constant line of communication with employees, who should feel empowered to share their thoughts about particular issues.
If employees don't feel like they can easily communicate with HR, or their managers, a level of trust has been breached. Be sure to strengthen internal communication so as to build trust and collect ideas or thoughts for potential improvements.
2. Transparency
Another way to improve employee relationships is to be transparent. Some employers are reluctant to give out bad news as they think it will hurt morale. Sadly, this usually ends up hurting morale more in the long run.
It's best to be transparent and open with your employees as it will help build trust in the long run.
3. Employee Wellness Programs
Employees that feel like they are valued and taken care of by their organization can often have a higher level of trust in their employers. One way to show that you care is by implementing healthy initiatives. Wellness programs are a great place to start.
Per HealthCare.gov, a wellness program is "a program intended to improve and promote health and fitness that's usually offered through the workplace." These programs can include fitness resources, healthy workplace initiatives, gym memberships, and so much more. Work with your HR team, or an employee benefits resource, to introduce a wellness program today.
4. Confidentiality
Another way to build trust between employees and employers is to be careful with matters of confidentiality. If an employee confides in a manager about something sensitive, they should always treat this information with extreme sensitivity.
If workers feel like they can't trust you or your management team with sensitive information, they may not share any information with you down the road. This could lead to potential legal troubles, especially when looking at compliance and employment law.
5. Fairness
In the ideal fair workplace, all employees should have the same level of opportunity, no matter what their background is.
If a worker feels like they are not accepted, or can't grow within the organization based on their gender, race, or social background, it's unlikely that they'll ever trust leadership.
One way to foster a fair workplace is by updating management training and hiring processes that encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion.
When You Build Trust With Employees, You Grow Your Company
When you build trust with employees, you're creating a positive and welcoming workplace environment. In return, this unique space can be helpful when recruiting and retaining employees.
The best way to build on trust is to work with a human resources professional. If your organization does not have an internal HR professional, or your existing HR team needs assistance, an HR outsourcing partner, such as SynchronyHR, may be an ideal solution.
Contact us today to learn more about how HR outsourcing can strengthen your organization.