Lack of Trust in HR? Turning the Tide with Clear and Open Communication
Transparency is an essential factor in building trust, collaboration, and productivity. It goes hand in hand with clear communication, which helps create strong connections between employees and management. When employees know what’s happening in their company, they feel more connected to their work. This leads to a more motivated and engaged workforce.
However, many workers today are losing trust in their companies, especially with HR. This shows how important it is for organizations to be transparent and make sure their communication is honest, consistent, and includes everyone. Let’s look at how companies can do this and why it matters so much.
The Role of Communication in Transparency
It gives employees the information they need to do their jobs well and builds trust within the team. However, recent surveys show that trust is breaking down, especially when it comes to HR.
In 2021, a survey of 1,000 workers in the UK found that 47% of employees didn’t trust HR to help resolve conflicts. Over 40% of respondents felt that HR didn’t act fairly, with 43% believing that senior staff were favoured in workplace disputes.
This growing mistrust also connects to larger issues around career development. In a recent poll, we conducted on LinkedIn, we asked: "What do you want most from your Career Development Program?" The results showed that 46% of people want faster leadership growth, 38% are focused on better retention, and 15% are interested in more employee engagement. These results show that employees want more than just transparency - they want clear results that help them grow. For many, open communication is key to reaching these goals.
The lack of trust in HR highlights the need for more transparency in the organization. Clear, honest communication from HR can help rebuild trust and make employees feel like their concerns are being heard.
Strategies for Building Transparency Through Communication
Lead by Example
Empower HR to Be an Ally
Use Technology to Promote Open Communication
Be Clear, Consistent and Regular
Address Challenges and Failures Openly
Train Employees on Communication Norms
1. Lead by Example
Transparency starts at the top. Leaders set the tone for communication within the organization, and it’s important for them to be open and honest with their teams. Whether sharing successes or challenges, leaders who communicate transparently create an environment where employees feel comfortable doing the same.
When leaders are open about the company’s direction, employees are more likely to follow suit. This means being clear about goals, addressing challenges openly, and sharing progress with the team. Leading by example helps create a culture where transparency is valued at every level.
2. Empower HR to Be an Ally
Part of the trust issue with HR is that they tend to be a management representative and one that is paid by the employer. This in itself can give pause for thought for employees who may not be sure which ‘side’ HR is on. It should also be said that human resources professionals and those with educational and membership credentials like the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) in Canada or the US equivalent of Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) sign a strong code of ethics ensuring their commitment to the public, the profession, their clients and employees. Given the growing distrust in HR, organizations need to re-frame the role of HR as a true advocate. This involves providing HR teams with the training and authority to handle sensitive issues impartially. HR should not be seen solely as a tool of the company but as a resource for all employees, ensuring their rights and well-being are protected.
Encouraging two-way communication is also essential. Employees should feel confident that they can speak up about concerns without facing retaliation. Creating feedback mechanisms such as anonymous surveys or employee forums can help HR gather insights and respond to workplace issues more effectively.
3. Use Technology to Promote Open Communication
Technology offers powerful tools for promoting transparency. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom enable real-time communication and collaboration, ensuring that information flows freely within the team. By leveraging these tools, leaders can keep everyone informed and up to date.
Technology also makes it easier to maintain open lines of communication, even when teams are working remotely or across different time zones. Project management tools like Asana or Trello allow teams to track progress, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. These tools support a transparent work environment by making information accessible to everyone.
4. Be Clear, Consistent and Regular
Clear and consistent communication is essential for transparency. When messages are delivered clearly, employees have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which leads to improved performance. Regular updates play a critical role in this process. Keeping employees informed about company goals, changes in strategy, or upcoming initiatives helps them feel connected to the organization and ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.
Establishing regular communication practices, such as weekly updates, team meetings, or internal newsletters, can help ensure that information is shared consistently. When employees know what to expect and receive clear guidance, they’re more likely to stay engaged and perform well. This openness also allows them to adjust their efforts to match the organization’s direction, reinforcing transparency and contributing to better overall performance.
5. Address Challenges and Failures Openly
Transparency is not just about sharing positive news - it also involves being honest about challenges and failures. Addressing difficulties openly fosters a culture of accountability and resilience, where employees feel trusted to understand the full picture.
When leaders are transparent about setbacks, employees are more likely to step up and offer solutions. Open communication about failures also reduces the spread of misinformation, which can harm morale and lead to distrust. By being honest about challenges, leaders create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute to problem-solving efforts.
6. Train Employees on Communication Norms
Building strong communication norms within a team or organization starts with recognizing that communication is a skill that can continually be developed. Providing training on effective communication techniques not only helps employees express themselves clearly but also sets a standard for open and constructive dialogue. Workshops on active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and managing conflict can establish common expectations and practices for communication, enabling teams to collaborate more effectively.
The Benefit of HR on Retainer Services
Having an HR team on retainer, sometimes called fractional HR, can be a great way to build transparency in the workplace. With HR on retainer, companies have access to experienced professionals who can help manage employee relations and provide advice when needed. This service offers ongoing support without the expense of hiring full-time human resources staff.
One survey found that over a third of U.S. small business workers didn’t trust their HR departments. HR on retainer also ensures that organizations stay on top of best practices, especially when dealing with difficult employee relations issues like conflict resolution, discipline or termination. With consistent guidance from unbiased, outside experts, companies can build a culture where open communication and transparency are encouraged. This, in turn, leads to a more positive work environment, higher employee satisfaction, and better retention.
Summary
Building a transparent workforce through effective communication is essential for creating a healthy and productive work environment. Transparency fosters trust, accountability, and collaboration, all of which contribute to the overall success of the organization. By leading by example, encouraging two-way communication, using technology to promote openness, and being clear and consistent, leaders can help create a culture of transparency that benefits both employees and the business as a whole.
The steps to building transparency may seem small, but their impact can be profound. Whether through regular updates, open discussions, or communication training, embracing transparency is a powerful way to ensure that your organization thrives. Start today - by building transparent communication, you will help build a workforce that is not only more engaged but also more resilient and innovative.
Get in touch with us today to discover how our HR on Retainer services can alleviate people and culture pain-points while supporting business deliverables. Together, let's collaborate to empower your team, optimize your operations and navigate the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace.
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