How Employers Can Build Trust in Their HR Departments

In many workplaces, the human resources (HR) department serves as the face of the employer. From communicating employment policies to managing onboarding and employee relations, HR plays a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience. For this reason, it’s important to have an HR department that your employees trust to address their needs. This can be a challenge. According to a recent study by Secure Data Recovery, more than a third of the 1,005 U.S. workers surveyed expressed mistrust in their employers' HR departments. (All survey respondents worked for companies with less than 50 employees.)

Transparency and Clarity: A Foundation for Trust

The cornerstone of trust lies in transparency and clarity. Without clear communication about policies, procedures, and rules, employees may feel confused or misinterpret expectations, leading to discord and mistrust. Employers can mitigate this by ensuring comprehensive, legally compliant, and regularly updated employee handbooks. Onboarding processes should include thorough reviews of the handbook, coupled with opportunities for new hires to ask questions and seek clarification. Additionally, strategic communication of new policies and changes, with a focus on clarity and rationale, can reinforce trust in HR's intentions and actions.

Establishing and Maintaining Visibility

HR departments that operate in the shadows risk being perceived negatively, particularly when their visibility is limited to disciplinary actions or conflict resolution. To foster trust, employers should ensure that HR staff are visible and accessible to employees. Introducing new hires to HR personnel and facilitating ongoing interactions can humanize the department and build rapport.

Regular communication initiatives, such as surveys, educational seminars, and newsletters, further enhance visibility and engagement, reinforcing HR's commitment to employee well-being and organizational success. Employees should be able to attach faces to names and know who their respective HR contacts are without having to ask their supervisors, or scroll through the employee handbook.

Promoting the HR Brand

Every organization has its unique culture and values, and HR departments should actively promote their brand to align with these principles. Employers must not overlook the importance of cultivating a positive reputation for HR, as it directly impacts employee trust and satisfaction. By investing in initiatives that showcase HR's role in supporting employees and fostering a healthy work environment, employers can strengthen trust and loyalty across the organization.