The trust factor: Why modern leaders can’t afford to overlook this advantage

In today’s workplace, trust is not simply a soft skill or an abstract value; it is a measurable, strategic advantage. From employee retention to innovation and overall performance, trust serves as the foundation on which successful organisations are built. Yet despite its critical importance, many organisations are failing to cultivate it.

Recent research from the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) reveals a worrying reality: only 23% of employees say they have a strong sense of trust in their company’s leadership. The trust gap is growing, and if left unaddressed, it could become one of the most significant leadership challenges of our time.

To tackle this issue head-on, Achievers is hosting an essential conversation through a thought-provoking webinar titled The Trust Factor: The Leadership Advantage Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore. Featuring Marcel Schwantes, global leadership expert and host of the Love in Action podcast, and David Bator, managing director of AWI, the session will unpack why trust in leadership is declining and how organisations can reverse the trend.

The decline of trust: What the data tells us

The pandemic and its aftermath have fundamentally reshaped the workplace. As remote work became the norm and business models shifted overnight, employees looked to their leaders for clarity, compassion, and direction. In many cases, those expectations weren’t fully met.

Leaders were under pressure themselves, navigating uncharted territory, economic uncertainty, and digital acceleration. However, in the absence of consistent communication and human-centred decision-making, employees began to feel disconnected. What emerged was not just a leadership crisis but a crisis of trust.

This disconnection isn’t always loud or visible. It often manifests in subtle but telling ways: reduced engagement, quieter meetings, hesitancy to take risks, or a reluctance to speak up. Over time, it calcifies into disengagement. And when trust falters, performance inevitably follows. 

What trust looks like in practice

But what exactly does ‘trust in leadership’ mean in the context of the workplace?

At its core, trust is the belief that leaders are competent, ethical, and genuinely invested in the well-being of their people. Yet it’s not enough for leaders to intend to be trustworthy—employees need to experience that trustworthiness consistently. 

This comes down to how leaders make decisions, communicate transparently, admit mistakes, and recognise the contributions of others. Trust is built through small, consistent acts—being present, keeping promises, and listening with empathy. It is tested and either strengthened or shattered during pivotal organisational moments such as change, crisis, or restructuring.

Marcel Schwantes and David Bator will explore these dynamics in depth during the webinar, drawing on data and real-world leadership examples to help leaders understand the behavioural mechanics of trust and how they can foster it authentically.

From theory to practice: Data, neuroscience and actionable frameworks

What sets this conversation apart is its ability to bridge insight with action. David Bator will present findings from AWI’s latest research, while Marcel Schwantes will translate these into practical, human-centred leadership practices.

A key theme will be the neuroscience of trust. Humans are wired for psychological safety—we need to feel seen, heard, and valued in order to fully engage. When that sense of safety is absent, people shift into self-protective behaviours: withholding ideas, avoiding feedback, or emotionally checking out. Leaders who understand this science are better equipped to build environments where people can do their best work. 

The session will also explore:

• Leadership habits that build or break trust, such as consistency, authenticity, accountability, and empathy.
  
  

• The role of recognition and feedback, and how everyday interactions shape long-term perceptions of trustworthiness.
  
  

• Bridging the perception gap-why leaders often overestimate the trust they command and how to align intention with impact.
  
  

• Common leadership blind spots, including a lack of vulnerability, unclear communication, and unacknowledged bias.
  
  

Together, these insights offer leaders a comprehensive toolkit for strengthening trust across teams and organisational layers.

Trust as a competitive advantage

Beyond workplace culture, trust is fast becoming a key performance differentiator. Companies with high levels of trust see greater engagement, stronger collaboration, and more resilient teams. Trust enhances agility; people are more willing to innovate, adapt, and take initiative when they believe their leaders have their back.

It also plays a critical role in retention. In a job market shaped by purpose and values, employees are more likely to stay where they feel safe, respected, and empowered. They stay in organisations where they trust not only the mission but also the individuals leading it.

The old adage that ‘trust must be earned’ has never been truer. But in the modern workplace, it must also be maintained through consistent actions, inclusive behaviours, and courageous conversations. Leadership today must be not only capable but also profoundly human. 

An urgent invitation to reimagine leadership

At a time when organisations are re-evaluating what effective leadership means, this webinar offers a vital opportunity for reflection and growth. Whether you're a business leader striving to earn the loyalty of your team, an HR professional building a trust-first culture, or a decision-maker looking to future-proof your organisation, this conversation will offer clarity, challenge, and actionable direction.

The Trust Factor: The Leadership Advantage Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore brings together Marcel Schwantes and David Bator for a dynamic dialogue grounded in data, empathy, and real-world leadership experience. To learn more about Achievers, visit here.