Building Trust in the Workplace: Practical Steps for Leaders

Trust is one of the most frequently discussed concepts in workplace culture—but rarely do we focus on how to actually build it. Terms like 'psychological safety' have gained traction, but at its core, it all comes back to trust.

Why does trust matter? According to a 2021 Harvard Business Review study, employees in high-trust companies report 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, and 76% more engagement than those in low-trust environments. Trust is the foundation of strong teams, innovation, and overall workplace well-being.

Here are three actionable ways to foster trust within your team:

1️⃣ Show Up and Be Reliable ✅

Trust cannot flourish without consistency. Being dependable means following through on commitments, being present in important moments, and ensuring your actions align with your words. A study by PwC found that 55% of employees consider reliability to be the most important factor in workplace trust.

How can you build this trust?

• Follow through on promises—only commit to what you can realistically achieve.

• Be consistent with your behavior and communication.

• Show up when you say you will—whether for meetings, deadlines, or personal check-ins.

  
  

2️⃣ Be Accountable and Communicate Transparently 🎯

Accountability is the backbone of trust. When things don’t go as planned, addressing issues openly rather than deflecting blame fosters respect and credibility. A 2023 study by Edelman found that 80% of employees trust their leaders more when they are transparent about challenges and setbacks.

How can you strengthen accountability?

• If you can’t meet a commitment, communicate it early and offer alternative solutions.

• Admit mistakes openly and offer sincere apologies when necessary.

• Encourage a culture where feedback is welcomed and acted upon.

  
  

3️⃣ Embrace Vulnerability and Foster Connection 🤝

In professional settings, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and self-doubt are common. Leaders who acknowledge their own imperfections and share personal experiences create stronger connections with their teams.

Brené Brown’s research in Daring Greatly highlights that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. When leaders show vulnerability, it normalises open dialogue and psychological safety, making it easier for employees to do the same.

Ways to practice vulnerability at work:

• Share personal growth experiences and lessons learned from past mistakes.

• Create a safe space for employees to express concerns without fear of judgment.

• Encourage learning from failures rather than hiding them.

  
  

The Outcomes of a Trust-Based Workplace 🌟

When trust is woven into workplace culture, the benefits are substantial:

• Improved Teamwork: High-performing teams rely on trust to collaborate effectively.

• Increased Innovation: Employees feel safe to share ideas and take creative risks.

• Better Mental Health & Well-being: A trusting environment reduces stress and fosters a sense of security.

  
  

Trust is not built overnight, but through consistent effort, accountability, and openness, organisations can create environments where employees thrive. As research continues to show, a workplace built on trust isn’t just more productive—it’s more fulfilling for everyone involved.