Does Your Job Know When You Haven't Typed?

How to build and maintain trust in the workplace.

A recent New York Times article provided a simulation of monitoring software that has become increasingly popular to monitor those who work remotely. As you scrolled through the article, warnings popped up if you seemed idle or were reading too slowly. The simulation even tracked keystrokes, clicks, and reading speed. While the article focused on the perils of using such software to track productivity, what was equally apparent is that such software communicated a lack of trust to employees.

While it is understandable that companies are still adjusting to the rapid rise in work-from-home arrangements, it’s easy to see how those monitored felt uneasy or insulted when asked to explain even a ten-minute lapse in keystrokes. (As one interviewee put it, “I still have to take bathroom breaks.”)

The relationship between an employer and employee has always relied on a certain amount of trust. After all, most employees must trust they will be paid. Employees also trust the companies they work for to provide safe working conditions, to hire competent and (ideally) pleasant colleagues, and to operate a business that is legal and ethical. Similarly, organizations trust employees: depending on the work and the size of the company, most of us have some control over our daily work decisions. Amazon trusts thousands of people to deliver packages as expected. Restaurants trust bartenders to write up tabs accurately. Notwithstanding the new monitoring software, the entire enterprise of work is largely built on trust.

How do you build and maintain trusting relationships at work?

1. Keep promises. A simple, but essential piece of building trust is being reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do.

2. Be open. Communication is one of the most critical elements of a productive workplace. And like other types of relationships, being transparent about your needs is key.

3. Higher up means lower trust. It may be difficult to accept, but the higher you are in a hierarchy, the less people will naturally trust you. If you are a senior leader, be aware that those around you will be more wary of your intentions.

4. Find common ground. Not surprisingly, people are more likely to trust those with whom they share values or goals. Ideally, this means you all believe in the company’s mission, products or services, and culture. Building trust around small things—even where to grab lunch—can build a connection.

5. Empathize. There’s no end to the literature about why empathy is so important. When it comes to building trust in the workplace, people feel closer to those who try to understand their needs.

Trust in the workplace contributes to more than just feeling good about colleagues or a manager. A recent study found that people at high-trust companies experience 74 percent less stress and 106 percent more energy at work!

Things to remember

• Trust in the workplace is critically important to reducing stress, increasing energy, and improving productivity.

• We can improve trust among colleagues with strong communication and greater empathy.

• Trust in the workplace creates stability, which is particularly important in these uncertain times.

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychology-work/202208/does-your-job-know-when-you-havent-typed

How important do you thing trust is at the workplace? Should the employee or the employer take the first step?

#Workplace #Trust #OrganizationalPsychology