Companies with high levels of trust show:
74% less stress
106% more energy at work
50% more productivity
13% fewer sick days
76% more engagement
29% more satisfaction with one's life
40% less burnout
The scientific research of Paul J. Zak
These data come from over 10 years of research by Paul J. Zak, a psychologist, founder of the Center for Neuroeconomic Studies, and Professor of Psychology at Claremont Graduate University.
In 2001, he studied the mathematical correlation between the levels of trust within companies and their economic performance.
Through numerous studies and experiments, he has demonstrated a causal relationship between the levels of oxytocin in the body and the tendency to trust others.
By experimentally manipulating oxytocin levels, he altered the tendency of the individuals involved to trust. Over more than ten years of research, he studied the situations in the workplace that trigger an increase in oxytocin, identifying eight that are useful to adopt in order to create and sustain an organizational culture based on trust.
The 8 Friends of Oxytocin
- Recognizing excellence.
Recognition has the greatest effect on trust when:- It is given immediately after achieving a goal,
- It comes from a peer,
- It is tangible,
- It is unexpected,
- It is personal and public.
- Inducing Challenge Stress.
When a manager assigns a difficult yet achievable task, the moderate level of challenge-related stress releases neurochemical substances that intensify concentration and strengthen the connections between team members. - Grant Autonomy in Work Organization.
Receiving trust to manage your own work independently is a great source of motivation. - Facilitating Project Building.
When companies allow employees to contribute and have an impact on outcomes independently, there are positive consequences for their productivity. - Sharing Information. Uncertainty about the company’s direction leads to the development of chronic stress, which inhibits the release of oxytocin and undermines teamwork.
- Intentionally Build Relationships.
Trust and sociability that oxytocin enables are rooted in our nature, and research shows that when people build social networks at work, their performance improves. - Facilitating Personal Growth.
Numerous studies show that acquiring new skills is not enough; if you are not growing as a human being, your performance will suffer. - Showing Vulnerability.
Asking for help is a sign of humble and effective leadership, inspiring people to achieve goals by activating the natural human instinct to collaborate with others.
