Commentary
Although it’s five years old, this article about Paul Zak’s research on trust is relevant to current employment conditions and challenges. Note the eight measurable management behaviors that foster trust he identified.
“To boost engagement and retention, treat people like responsible adults. Set a clear direction, provide the resources needed and get out of their way,” says Paul J. Zak summarizing his research on the brain chemical oxytocin.
Compared with people at low-trust companies, people at high-trust companies report: 74 percent less stress, 106 percent more energy at work, 50 percent higher productivity, 13 percent fewer sick days, 76 percent more engagement, 29 percent more satisfaction with their lives, 40 percent less burnout.
Source: Harvard Business Review, January-February 2017. Link. It’s not about being easy on your employees or expecting less from them. High-trust companies hold people accountable but without micromanaging them. They treat people like responsible adults.