How To Build Trust With Your Employees to Improve Retention

As a manager or business owner, you know that employee retention is crucial to the success of your organisation. High turnover rates can be costly and disruptive, and they can also impact morale and engagement. According to a study conducted by Gallup, organisations with high employee turnover rates experience 25-50% higher rates of absenteeism and decreased employee engagement.

One of the key factors that can help to improve the retention of employees is building trust with your employees. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to feel engaged, committed, and satisfied with their jobs. 

In today's fast-paced and competitive work environment, building trust with employees is crucial for fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture. Trust serves as the foundation for strong relationships, effective collaboration, and improved retention rates. 

However, the significance of trust extends beyond just employee satisfaction and engagement. It also plays a vital role in promoting mental health and supporting individuals facing various conditions such as depression, stress, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and mood disorders.

How to foster a culture of trust within your team? 

Creating an environment that fosters trust and a sense of community is crucial for supporting employees facing mental health challenges. Here are some ways to do so: 

Build a Work Environment That Prioritises Mental Health 

Prioritise the mental well-being of your employees to increase psychological safety. To learn more about employee mental health, read Mental Health at Work. 

A positive work environment is essential to building trust with your employees. Create a culture of collaboration, respect, and teamwork. Encourage open communication, and provide a safe and supportive environment for your team. Foster a sense of community and encourage social events and team-building activities. This shows that you care about their well-being and are committed to creating a positive and engaged workplace.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Open and honest communication is the foundation of building trust with your employees. Regularly communicate with your team and be transparent about the company's goals, vision, and performance. Share both positive and negative feedback, and be receptive to your employees' feedback as well. This shows that you value their input and are committed to working together to achieve common goals.

Demonstrate Respect

Respect is essential to building trust. Show respect for your employees' time, opinions, and work. Avoid micromanaging or being dismissive of their contributions. Instead, give them autonomy to make decisions and trust them to do their jobs well. Celebrate their successes and provide constructive feedback when necessary.

Lead by Example

Leadership by example is a powerful tool in building trust with your employees. As a leader, you should embody the values and behaviours you expect from your team. Model integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Show that you are committed to the success of the organisation and its employees.

Provide Support and Resources

Your employees need to know that you support their growth and development. Provide them with the resources they need to succeed in their roles, such as training, mentorship, and coaching. Encourage them to take on new challenges and give them opportunities to learn and grow. This shows that you are invested in their success and development.

How can building trust in the workplace affect mental health? 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, with work-related stress being a major contributing factor. Conditions like bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder can significantly impact an individual's mood, energy levels, and ability to function optimally at work.

It is evident that mental health challenges are prevalent in today's workplaces, with a significant impact on individuals and organisations. Conditions such as depression, stress, and mood disorders, among others, can significantly affect workplace well-being. 

Trust is the fundamental building block of any healthy relationship, including the employer-employee relationship. When employees trust their employers and colleagues, they feel more secure and supported, which has a positive impact on their mental health.

Here's how building trust affects mental health in the workplace:

Psychological Safety: Trust fosters psychological safety, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and emotions without fear of judgment or retribution. This openness promotes mental well-being by reducing anxiety and stress associated with keeping thoughts and emotions bottled up.

Job Satisfaction: Trust enhances job satisfaction as employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated for their contributions. This sense of satisfaction positively influences mental health by promoting a sense of purpose, motivation, and a feeling of being part of a team.

Collaboration and Support: Trust enables effective collaboration and teamwork. When employees trust each other, they are more likely to seek and offer support, fostering a sense of community within the workplace. This support system plays a critical role in promoting mental health by providing a safety net during challenging times. 

For comprehensive mental health support for your workforce, explore our services in our Employee Well-being Programme. 

Building trust with your employees is crucial to improving retention. By investing in these strategies, you can create a culture of trust, engagement, and commitment, which will ultimately lead to improved retention and a more successful company.