Why You Should Trust Your Colleagues More

In our personal relationships, trust is usually top of the list of the main qualities we look for in a friend. Without trust, we’re unable to create the bond that makes the relationship so strong. And trust between colleagues in the workplace shouldn’t be any different.

When we work alongside people that we trust, we feel safe and more confident to take risks, speak out and take responsibility. This can also make us feel more motivated and willing to work harder. When a workplace has a culture lacking in trust, this can have a negative impact not only on productivity but also the mental health of some individuals.

You might experience dishonesty, poor cooperation and communication, unhealthy competition and even bullying. Maybe your colleague withholds important information so that their light shines brighter than yours, or perhaps you’ve found yourself being blamed for failures in a group collaboration. However the lack of trust manifests, it can be seriously damaging to your wellbeing.

In a PWC survey, it was reported that 55% of business leaders believed that a lack of trust was a major concern within their company. The report goes on to say “A high level of trust also makes employees more committed to staying with the company, partners are more willing to collaborate and investors more prepared to entrust stewardship of their funding. Consequently, those organisations that can build trust seem to garner significant benefits.”

Reasons why trust is important in the workplace

• It promotes respect 
• Employees are more willing to take risks 
• It provides a feeling of safety 
• It creates self-confidence
• It allows colleagues to work collaboratively and productively
• It generates more creativity and innovation as people are willing to share ideas and make themselves more vulnerable
• It encourages greater communication

Ways to build trust

1. Inclusivity

By creating an inclusive workplace, employees are less likely to feel 'left out' regardless of their age, gender, religion or ethnicity. When we have a strong sense of belonging, we can be ourselves and perform to the best of our ability without it having a negative effect on our self-esteem.

2. Honesty

Honesty plays a huge role in trustworthiness. When you’re transparent and honest, others not only believe what you say and hold you in higher regard, but it also makes them feel more secure in themselves. Open communication is key to building strong working relationships.

3. Listening and encouragement

When we don’t listen to what others say, it shows a lack of respect for that person and can discourage them to be open about their thoughts and ideas. It’s important to listen to what someone else is saying, as this will give them the confidence to continue putting ideas forward and be more forthcoming with their feelings and emotions.

4. Don’t play the blame game

Nobody is perfect and at some time we all make honest mistakes. By putting the blame onto someone else it can create a toxic environment and instil a sense of fear. It’s much more productive, and far better for someone’s mental wellbeing, to accept the mistake, discuss the problems and find a way to do things better next time.

5. Be understanding

Everyone is different and people work in different ways so by being understanding to your colleague’s character traits, abilities or personal situations, it allows them to feel more accepted and to be more open.