The State of Trust In HR Teams In 2021 | The previous year of 2021 was a big one for businesses especially since many companies had to deal with multiple issues and challenges due to the pandemic such as the implementation of remote working policies.
However, even though the HR management systems have become more transparent and understanding of what employees need to evolve their careers, there ‘s been a barrier that’s been getting in their way from the very beginning. Distrust in the HR team is one of the major elements that most companies faced in 2021.
A Trust in HR in 2021 study identified that a lack of trust between HR and employees was still a major issue for everyone concerned as per these result findings mentioned below.
How has the pandemic affected the trust of Employees?
32% of UK respondents stated that they trusted their HR team more as a result of the pandemic, 54% said that they felt the same and 14% declared that they trusted their HR department less due to the effects and aftermath of the pandemic.
Additionally, HR teams need to step up their game when it comes to conflict management and employee privacy.
According to HR trust survey, 47% of respondents are not sure if they could trust HR to help manage conflict with other staff members, 31% stated that they were not sure if they could trust their HR team to respect privacy and confidentiality matters, and 48% declared that they would not be able to trust their HR department to notify them about internal promotional opportunities.
Suggestions to build trust in your HR team in 2022
Workplace trust is a rapidly growing topic, and rightly so. As part of an evolving digital transformation, leaders in HR departments need to look at how they can create a culture where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves at work, without fear of judgment. The employees will expect their voices to be heard and for the company to listen.
So, what can companies do to create a culture where employees feel safe?
1) Be proactive about diversity and inclusion
Be careful to avoid discrimination against specific groups of people. Ensure that your employees are not being treated differently due to factors unrelated to their job performance, such as gender, race, or ethnicity.
Be proactive about diversity and inclusion by including awareness training in your onboarding process. Keep the conversation going with an annual update on progress made.
2) Encourage authentic communication
Create an environment where everyone feels they can speak up in meetings. Be open to different opinions; even in the face of disagreement, respect is key. Make your employees feel like their voice matters by encouraging authentic communication in your meetings.
3) Show appreciation for good work:
Understand that your employees are more interested in feeling valued than anything else. Show appreciation for good work, acknowledge their contributions, and listen to constructive feedback without getting defensive. This will help build trust within your team.
4) Create career paths:
Give your employees access to training opportunities that will improve their marketability and encourage them to stay with the company.
Many workers today want to know that their jobs will keep them busy and engaged. Ensure you’re offering opportunities for advancement as well as internal training.
5) Have an open-door policy
The easiest way to lose trust is to disappear when employees come looking for advice. Formalise an open-door policy so your employees know they can reach out to you whenever they need.
Conclusion
If you are managing an HR team in 2022, then it’s important to start building trust within your organisation today. Remember, the employees will expect their voices to be heard and for the company to listen.
This is not just a management tip: Every single member of the workforce needs to create a culture of open and honest communication, and that starts with the top.
