A solid, well-communicated response to the COVID-19 pandemic not only eases British workers' fears, Gallup analysis shows, it also likely inspires their overall confidence in their leaders. In a down economy when difficult business decisions must be made, trust in corporate leadership to manage emerging challenges is a real asset -- and one few U.K. businesses can claim.
When asked in April 2020 to rate their level of agreement, on a 5-point scale, with statements regarding their company's safety and business continuity plans:
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35% of U.K. employees strongly agreed that their employer has communicated a clear plan of action in response to the coronavirus.
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28% of U.K. employees strongly agreed that they have confidence in the leadership of their company to successfully manage emerging challenges, down from 35% a year ago.
Gallup finds that even slight reservations about their leaders' plans to deal with the pandemic can have a powerful effect on workers' overall view of leadership.
When asked if their employer has communicated a clear plan of action in response to the coronavirus, 16% of those who rated the statement with a "4" are certain their company policies will keep them safe, and 18% are confident their company can successfully manage emerging challenges.
However, among employees who strongly agree that their employer has communicated a clear plan, 55% say their company's health guidelines will keep them safe, and 57% believe leaders can successfully respond to future challenges.
In short, clear communication encourages British workers' confidence in their leaders -- and inadequate communication generates cynicism. Unfortunately, the latter describes many U.K. workers.
Read more about this study and the tips that policymakers and researchers can use to explore their own challenges and opportunities to build trust.
