2014 Trust, Engagement &

Communication in the
Workplace Survey
Trusting relationships:

In todays work environment we

have forgotten that its authentic,
two-way conversations that build
trusting relationships. And it is these
trusting relationships that lead to
true employee engagement.

55% of workers believe they have a mutual

trusting relationship with their manager

So how well are workers in the USA

doing when it comes to creating and
maintaining these relationships? And
how often are managers holding
these critical conversations?

Only 32% of workers say that their managers

words match their actions

Our survey* of employees and

managers in the US revealed these
results

50% of workers will go the extra mile if they

are working with an approachable manager

Expectations:
When asked How clear are you about what your manager
expects from you at work? US workers responded:
56%

I am very clear

34%

I am fairly clear

7%
2%
1%

I am neither clear nor unclear

I am somewhat unclear
I am very unclear

Communication and Appreciation:

Only half of workers are clear on what the
company is trying to achieve and their part in it!
Q: How much do US workers feel genuinely
appreciated?
I always feel
appreciated

I sometimes
feel appreciated

32%

43%

I feel neither
appreciated nor
unappreciated

I rarely feel
appreciated

I never feel
appreciated

11%

3%

11%

30% are often

VS

praised and
understand
why

26% who are

rarely praised
at all!

Handling Unhelpful Behaviour:

Q: Have you ever had to approach someone about
negative behaviour that aected you/your team?
12%

Yes, but I did not feel comfortable and did not know how to do so properly

41%
25%
9%
5%

Yes, and I felt condent in my ability to

approach them and discuss the behaviour

No, our team works very well together

No, I would rather not create waves in the team

No, I escalated the issue to my manager or someone of a higher position

8%

No, I don't feel condent in my ability to do this and get a positive outcome

34% who approached someone said it

either wasnt resolved satisfactorily or
had a negative outcome

Is your manager good at

handling awkward or
dicult situations

Future Aspirations:

73% of workers
think so

Are we talking to our managers about our 2 year plan

and development opportunities at the company?

65% = yes!
However 17% dont feel there are any opportunities for career
development at their current company.

How can you improve these results in your organization?

5 Conversations focuses on ve key conversations which can transform
trust, relationships and engagement at work.

Learn more at www.5conversations.co.uk

*All results from a survey of 1000 employees and managers conducted by Atomik Research and The
Oxford Group in July 2014.
The Oxford Group, 2014