Trust between employees and their managers is a critical element of workplace success. But that element seems to be missing these days, according to career services LiveCareer’s Generational Workplace Trust report, with more than half of 1,000 respondents (53%) believing their manager has lied to them and 40% reporting they have quit a job due to not trusting their manager. In addition, a quarter of respondents do not fully trust their manager to act in their best interests.
Trust between employees and managers is built through communication, fairness, and accountability. However, certain leadership behaviors can erode that trust, making it difficult for employees to feel fully supported or valued in the workplace.
Respondents report that favoritism (23%), unethical behavior (18%), and poor communication (17%) are the top factors that most damage employees’ trust in their managers.
The report also found a lack of accountability among those in management positions:
• 48% say their manager acknowledges mistakes but downplays them.
• 29% report their manager takes full responsibility for mistakes.
• 23% have managers who do not admit fault when they make a mistake.
Workplace trust shifts across generations. More than 40% of respondents believe Gen Z has the least trust in corporate leadership, challenges it more openly than other generations, and is the most willing to push back against leadership choices.
The one common thread across age groups is a gap in understanding between themselves and leadership. Regardless of generation, the majority of respondents (63%) say leaders do not understand the priorities and challenges of their generation.
To view the full report, visit: https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/generational-workplace-trust-report