Why trust is so important to build on your team

Trust empowers teams to do their best work together, and lays the foundation for a mentally healthy environment. Learn simple, actionable ways to build trust in your workplace.

Whether it’s explicitly recognized or not, anyone who has been part of a team has felt the impact of trust. When trust is lacking, the effects are palpable; hesitation to count on one another creeps in, open communication is suppressed, and collaboration becomes a challenge. But when trust is present, and it’s a completely different picture; team members actively support each other, ideas are shared freely and confidently, and collaboration flourishes. Trust not only forms the bedrock of effective teamwork, but also contributes to healthier, more engaged employees.

At Scribl, we believe that fostering meaningful human connections is crucial for the success of employees, teams, and organizations. We approach connection through four foundational pillars: belonging, empathy, trust, and engagement. In this article, we delve into the concept of trust – its importance, the benefits it brings to the workplace, and practical ways to cultivate it within your team.

What is trust?

Trust is a cornerstone of all meaningful relationships. It’s the confidence that we can rely on one another to do what we say we will, showing up with authenticity and support. It helps connection and wellbeing thrive.

Why trust matters

In the workplace, trust is a powerful catalyst for both mental wellbeing and team success. Research shows that high-trust environments lead to significant benefits: stress levels drop by 74%, energy levels soar by 106%, and burnout decreases by 40% compared to low-trust settings. A driver of these dramatic improvements is the sense of psychological safety that trust fosters. When employees feel safe to express their thoughts honestly – including disagreements or concerns – without fear of backlash or pressure to downplay difficulties, it reduces work-related anxiety and fear.

Trust also plays a critical role in effective teamwork. It enhances collaboration by building stronger relationships, encouraging open exchange of ideas, and minimizing the risk of groupthink. In high-trust organizations, employees are more inclined to speak up, help their colleagues, and contribute to a supportive, motivated work environment. These employees report 50% higher productivity and 76% more engagement, highlighting how trust is not only a booster for wellbeing and morale, but a key factor for your organization to thrive.

How to build trust

Empower trust within your team by embracing vulnerability and nurturing intentional relationships.

Show vulnerability yourself.

Trust involves all parties in our relationships, but it can start with us. Make an effort to share things with the people on your team; it could be something fun you did over the weekend, or a challenge you’re facing with a project. Share what you’re comfortable with, in line with the workplace boundaries that feel supportive to you.

Share your point of view with honesty and kindness.

When sharing your insights, experience, and opinions with your team, approach it with authenticity. Your genuine perspective will be appreciated and help build trust over time, showing your colleagues they can rely on you to be honest. Remember to communicate with empathy; especially when sharing something challenging, it’s important that the person you’re talking with knows you care for and consider them. When preparing for these types of conversations, make sure to take into account the relationship, what’s on your colleague’s plate, and how you can communicate in order to truly benefit them.

 
Make connection a priority.

Especially when teams are working remotely, disconnection can be the default. One way to build trust is by simply being intentional to show up and be present for others. Turn your camera on if you’re comfortable, strike up a conversation as you’re waiting for the start of a meeting, or schedule regular virtual coffee breaks where team members can casually catch up.

Listen, remember, and follow-up.

Show you care by actively listening, remembering details, and following up on what your colleagues share with you. Whether it's about their personal interests, goals, or work challenges, taking note and checking in later demonstrates that you value them, their perspective, and their contributions. This simple act not only builds rapport, but also shows your commitment to supporting them.

Questions to build trust

Try asking open-ended questions like these as a starting point for developing trust in your relationships at work.

• What’s something you’ve been learning recently?
• What are you reading or listening to at the moment? Or, what have you wanted to?
• What’s a challenge you’re facing these days?
• What’s something outside of work that you’ve been striving to accomplish?
• How do you think that project went? What could have been better?
• How can I support you in what you’re doing? (Then, follow through!)
  
  

Build trust and empower your team to thrive with Scribl

Fostering a culture of trust can truly transform your work environment, making it a place where innovation, collaboration, and well-being thrive. As we've seen, trust improves employee mental health, boosts productivity, and leads to a more engaged team. While the strategies we’ve covered are a solid starting point for building trust in your own interactions, extending these efforts across your organization can have an even greater impact.

Our collaborative game, Scribl, is designed to help you build trust and connection throughout your workplace. It provides a simple and effective way to strengthen team cohesion by facilitating relationship-building, encouraging vulnerability, and integrating these practices into your daily routine. Through engaging prompts and creativity, Scribl fosters meaningful conversations that nurture real, trusting relationships.

Ready to see the power of Scribl for yourself? Book a demo today and see how our game can enhance your team’s connections and overall well-being.