Oxytocin is called the “love” hormone released into the bloodstream that produces a euphoric feeling. It happens after we exercise, listen to music and embrace another human being in some way. A study done by Harvard Business Review demonstrated that acts done in order to produce trust from person to person, oxytocin is also released. This feel good hormone aids the process of trust within our bodies. It makes us feel good when we can trust someone. “People that work at high-trust companies compared to low-trust companies report that 50% state they’re more productive, 74% are less stressed, 106% have more energy at work and 40% have less burnout from work activities.” We’ve decided to make a 5 hit bullet point list of our top ways to improve trust within the workplace between employees in all positions.
1. Listen more than you speak and ask for feedback. Make it clear that their input is important to the company and they can be part of the changes that go on within it. When employees feel that the company aligns with their values and that they can contribute to the company’s growth they’re more invested in its successes.
2. Be transparent. Share information when you can. Have daily one-on-one communications with employees to reduce uncertainty about their careers and the current work situations going on.
3. Encourage. Don’t demand! Motivating employees through encouragement instead of demands has been shown to increase productivity. I mean, I know that I don’t like being told what to do! I’m more apt to complete a task with encouragement than commands. This shows that you trust the employee to do the right thing and it gives them the freedom to do things their own way. When they feel trusted they will reciprocate.
4. Emphasize what you have in common. Building real relationships with employees is crucial! Neuroscience shows that building social ties increase oxytocin and improves performance. Nurture these relationships with work events and team building activities.
5. Show vulnerability and admit faults. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if you’re the CEO you’re still human! It will remind your employees of this and is a not a sign of weakness but a sign of secure leadership. When you make a mistake own it. They will respect your honesty and ability to embrace faults.
Trust only improves a business. Fostering care from the inside out will ensure a successful company that will stand the test of time. Let’s make this the “New Normal” in the workplace and continue to build great relationships. Not only inside the workplace but out!
