The Employee Engagement Report 2011, which explores global workplace attitudes, revealed that trust in executives has a stronger correlation to employee engagement than trust in immediate managers. Half of employees who trust senior leaders are engaged compared to 40% of those who trust their direct boss and 33% of the North American workforce overall.

These findings are consistent with pre-recession findings. Highlighting that trust in leadership is an important factor in achieving high levels of engagement.

It’s harder to build trust with people who you rarely see or have never met, explained Christopher Rice, CEO of BlessingWhite, the consultancy responsible for the survey. “Most immediate supervisors and managers can demonstrate trustworthiness in their daily actions and become known beyond their titles. Executives don’t have that luxury. The workforce scrutinizes what they do see and hear – and will draw the most unexpected, unfortunate conclusions if leaders do not communicate carefully.”

The authors of the report, urge business leaders to demonstrate consistency in words and actions, communicate often and with depth, and create a culture that drives results and engagement.

For more information, download a copy of the report >

Melitta