How HR Can Build Trust with Collaboration Software
Use an internal communication tool to boost workplace productivity
November 28, 2023
Trust and transparency are fundamental elements of a healthy work environment. In the modern workplace, fostering trust is not just a nice-to-have, but a necessity for productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational success.
Why is Trust Important in the Workplace?
Increases productivity
According to a study in Harvard Business Review, people in high-trust workplaces experience a significant reduction in stress by 74%, and a 50% boost in productivity compared to those in low-trust workplaces. When employees trust their colleagues and supervisors, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and share ideas without fear.
Enables collaboration amongst employees
Trust encourages successful collaboration among team members. In a workplace of trust, employees are more willing to work together, share knowledge freely, and combine their expertise to resolve issues directly.
Studies have shown individuals who expressed high levels of trust in their organizations were more likely to describe their collaborations as successful.
Fosters innovation
When employees trust their colleagues and leaders, they feel psychologically safe.This means they are more comfortable taking risks, sharing unconventional ideas, and proposing innovative ideas without the fear of negative consequences.
At Swit, we aim to foster a work environment where employees feel comfortable, included and know we care about them. We also encourage employees to align their OKRs with other teams and departments so that work efforts are optimized for shared objectives, rather than for ourselves.
Improves employee retention
Studies show trust is closely linked to employee retention. One-third of employees stated that they would stay longer with an employer if its leaders kept their promises, and 28% said they would extend their tenure if the organization practiced transparency throughout all levels.
For example, we created a dedicated channel for our own Swit task force dedicated to growth. We use it to share important data both vertically and horizontally, fostering transparency and alignment for all departments and leaders.
Tips for Cultivating Trust within Your Organization
Lead by example
Leaders play a crucial role in creating trust within an organization. It’s important for leaders to lead from the front, not be afraid to admit to their mistakes, and practice open communication.
We encourage all feedback, good or bad, and focus on the issues, not people.
Finding the best collaboration tool for your organization will support these efforts in open communication by bringing teams together in a software integration platform. This is an innovative type of project management tool that connects multiple pieces of software in one hub where data and information is linked and shared.
Managing OKRs through a Work OS plug-in like Swit Goals promotes transparency and leading by example by enabling team members to align their objectives and key results, making progress visible to all members and encouraging a culture of accountability and shared commitment.
Prioritize transparency
Transparency is key. Set clear expectations and guidelines with your organization, while remembering to stay flexible and empathetic.
A survey from Ernst & Young shows that 88% of employees feel that empathetic leadership inspires positive change within the workplace, and 87% say that it enables trust among employees and leaders.
Additionally, 85% report that empathetic leadership in the workplace increases productivity among employees.
If your organization has struggled in the past with clear communication, consider implementing a Slack alternative to facilitate transparent workflows accessible to all collaborators through channels, projects, and tasks.
This can promote seamless communication and efficient teamwork by entrusting team members to lead and complete projects within a specified timeline.
Ensure open and honest communication
Honesty and transparency exist together harmoniously. We use channels to regularly share information about company goals, challenges, and financial performance.
Having an open dialogue throughout your work process encourages employees to honestly contribute their opinions and experiences.
Trustworthy leaders are those who are most comfortable admitting, “I don’t know the answer right now, but let me find out and get back to you.”
Encourage and act on employee feedback
Showing your employees you value their input can help cultivate a culture of trust. 89% of HR leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are essential for successful outcomes.
Take action on employee suggestions, loop back around to share appreciation for their feedback and ideas. Re-humanize your work from the inside out.
Using task cards can help track every stage of new employee initiatives. Because Swit is both an internal communication tool and a task management tool, it’s an ideal Slack alternative for connecting with colleagues in every department.
Actively listening to your employees and giving them a voice, can lead to better morale and increased engagement. Studies show highly engaged business units experience an 81% reduction in absenteeism and a 14% increase in productivity.
Support systems for coaching and listening
Team members feel more open to trusting feedback when coming from a coach rather than the traditional “boss.” Coaching emphasizes open and two-way communication, which can lead to better team cohesion, trust, and a supportive work environment.
In this APA survey, employees expressed having more trust in their company when the organization values employee contributions, encourages and provides employee engagement, and communicates effectively.
Trust and Transparency are not just buzzwords in the workplace, they are critical components of a high-performing organization.
By promoting trust, businesses can improve productivity, employee retention, and innovation. Statistics show that the benefits of trust are tangible and measurable, making it an investment worth making.
Start taking the first steps to building a culture of trust in your organization. Visit our website to learn more about how Swit is the best collaboration tool to help you cultivate a healthy and productive work environment for your team.
Kate Campos, People Manager
