How To Create A Culture Of Trust In The Workplace

You can’t build anything without trust—it’s literally crucial to everything we do. In this blog post, we’re going to share three key factors to building trust, along with specific ways for you to foster trust at every level. We’ll also explore what this looks like on the job site from a practical standpoint. Let’s dive in! 

What is Trust?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s clarify what trust is. For you to trust me—and I hope you do—you need to feel confident in three things: my intentions, my experience, and my track record.

1. Intentions

What am I trying to achieve in our relationship? Are my motives good, or are they selfish? Your ability to trust me starts with knowing that my intentions are honest and aligned with the greater good.

2. Track Record

Have I been successful before? When it comes to building trust in a workplace setting, you want to know if I’ve done it before. If I’ve proven my capability, you’ll have a reason to trust me.

3. Experience

Do I have the relevant experience? My experience should resonate with you. If I’ve worked in the fields you care about, you’ll find it easier to trust my input.

Trust is built on these three factors—intentions, track record, and experience. Together, they form the foundation of any successful relationship, especially in a team environment.

Building Trust on a Construction Project

To create trust on your project site, it’s essential to foster it in three distinct areas:

1. With the project leader
2. Within the project itself
3. Among the crew members and their respective teams

Let’s break down some practical steps to build trust in each of these areas.

How Leaders Can Build Trust

As a project leader, it’s your responsibility to establish trust across the team. Here are seven key strategies to help you do that:

1. Orientations

Kick things off with an orientation that’s captivating and useful. Demonstrate your passion and clearly communicate your expectations. Even if you can’t attend every orientation, consider recording a video where you personally address the team. This small step shows your commitment and begins to build trust.

2. Foreman Huddles

Daily foreman huddles are essential for collaborative planning. Actively listening to your foremen and addressing their needs will build trust throughout the team. The workers will follow their foreman’s behavior, and as trust grows at the foreman level, it will extend to the entire project.

3. Worker Huddles

Taking just five to ten minutes each morning to engage with workers can significantly boost trust. This is a time for training, recognition, and open communication. Workers will feel valued and connected, leading to higher trust levels across the board.

4. Engagements

Engaging with your team through events like barbecues, holiday celebrations, or even just small gatherings can go a long way. When workers feel appreciated, they are more likely to trust you and the project.

5. Site Conditions

The condition of the project site speaks volumes. Clean restrooms, organized entryways, and well-maintained lunch areas are signs of respect. When workers see that you care about the environment they work in, they will be more inclined to trust you and reciprocate by treating the site well.

6. Leading by Example

Show your team that you follow the same rules they do. Whether it’s picking up trash, helping with tasks when needed, or simply shaking hands with workers, these small actions show that you’re a leader who cares. Your hands-on approach will strengthen trust across the team.

7. Micro-actions

It’s often the small gestures that build the most trust. Saying thank you, acknowledging someone’s efforts, or even bringing snacks to the lunch area can have a significant impact. These micro-actions show that you genuinely care, and they help create a strong bond with your team.

Trust Between Trade Partners

In addition to building trust with leadership, it’s essential to foster trust between trade partners. Here are four key strategies for creating trust among trades:

1. Contractor Grading

Create a grading system to evaluate contractors on cleanliness, safety, punctuality, and rule compliance. When everyone is held to the same standards, trust between trades will grow. Enforcing this grading system ensures that each contractor is accountable, which in turn strengthens the project’s stability.

2. Worker Huddles

Worker huddles are not only essential for leader-to-worker trust, but also for fostering trust between different crews. Use this time to build camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and recognize achievements.

3. Mutual Accountability

Establish shared standards and enforce them consistently. When everyone is held accountable to the same expectations, trust will naturally develop between trade partners. This mutual accountability fosters a cooperative environment.

4. Implementation of Last Planner System

A system that encourages teams to make and keep commitments helps build trust. When teams are transparent, collaborative, and accountable, they begin to rely on each other more, creating a stronger, more unified project team.

Building Trust Between Foremen and Crews

Finally, crews must trust their own foremen for a project to succeed. Here are three ways to foster that trust:

1. Crew Preparation Huddles

Use the crew huddle as a time to review the day’s tasks, address concerns, and ensure everyone understands the plan. A well-executed crew huddle can set a positive tone for the day and help build trust between workers and their foremen.

2. Check-ins Throughout the Day

Regularly check in with workers to see how they’re doing and offer support. These moments of interaction show that you care about their success and well-being, which builds trust.

3. Consistency

A consistent crew that works together over time will naturally develop trust. Whenever possible, keep teams intact to maintain that trust and strengthen working relationships.

Two Key Factors for Workplace Trust

To wrap things up, there are two key factors that will help you build trust in the workplace:

1. Worker Huddles
   Nothing connects a team like coming together daily as one unified group. You can’t be one team unless you meet as one team.
2. Ask What Builds Trust
   At every level—worker, foreman, project team, owner, architect—ask the question: “What builds trust for you?” Once you know the answer, respond to it and actively work to build that trust.

Trust is the cornerstone of a successful team and project. By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a workplace culture where people trust each other, collaborate effectively, and perform at their best.

I hope you use these tips to build trust in your team and experience the benefits of working in an environment where trust is at the core of everything you do.