Survey finds 35% of respondents don't trust leadership to make right decisions
In today’s workplace, trust in leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a safe work environment, says Dan Cardon, senior principal at Robert Walters. "Our survey found that 48% of professionals would reject a job offer based on the CEO," Cardon notes, underscoring the critical influence of top leadership on workplace culture. This finding, derived from a survey of over 2,000 white-collar professionals across Canada, reflects a growing concern about leadership’s role in maintaining both psychological and physical safety.
Cardon emphasizes that trust is a fundamental component of workplace safety. "If there's not that trust at the CEO level, particularly in industries like natural gas and mining, it has a huge impact on safety," he explains. The survey revealed that 35% of respondents do not trust their company's leader to make the right decisions, often due to inconsistent messaging and behaviour. "Half of the respondents cited inconsistent behaviour and messaging as a reason for their distrust," Cardon adds, highlighting the need for clear and consistent communication from the top.
The role of CEOs extends beyond mere decision-making; it also involves fostering a culture of empathy and transparency. Cardon suggests, "one of the key things would be empathy and messaging. Social media is really holding CEOs accountable and using it wisely can connect leaders with their employees." This connection is increasingly vital in a post-pandemic world where employees expect more flexibility and transparency from their employers. Cardon observes, "the pandemic has shifted expectations. Now, employees feel they have a direct line to leadership, and CEOs must adapt to these new dynamics."
Cardon also stresses the importance of creating open forums for dialogue, where employees feel heard and valued. "Candidates want transparency, whether through town halls or surveys, showing that senior leadership is listening," he states. This transparency is not just about addressing immediate safety concerns but also about building a long-term culture of trust and safety.
Cardon points out that trust in CEOs is more than just a trend; it is a fundamental component of a safe and productive workplace. "People are putting a lot more time and energy into researching companies and assessing the ethos of the leadership team," he says. As companies navigate economic uncertainties and restructuring, the need for strong, trustworthy leadership becomes even more pronounced. Cardon advises, "whenever there's something negative, it's amplified through social media, making it essential for CEOs to maintain a positive, transparent presence."
Ultimately, fostering trust in leadership is not just about maintaining employee morale but also about ensuring a safe and supportive work environment. As Cardon aptly puts it, "it's no longer about fitting into a company's culture; it's about the company fitting in with its people."
