A 2014 survey on trust, engagement, and communication in the UK workplace found that only 38% of workers feel they have a mutual trust with their manager, and just one-third are clear on company goals. Despite 51% discussing future career plans with their managers, many do not feel appreciated or have confidence in addressing negative behavior. The results highlight a need for improved communication and relationship-building to enhance employee engagement.

1. 2014 Trust, Engagement &
Communication in the
Workplace Survey
In today’s work environment we
have forgotten that it’s authentic,
two-way conversations that build
trusting relationships. And it is these
trusting relationships that lead to
true employee engagement.
So how well are workers in the UK
doing when it comes to creating and
maintaining these relationships? And
how often are UK managers holding
these critical conversations?
Our survey* of employees and
managers in the UK revealed these
results…
Trusting relationships:
38% of workers believe they have a mutual
trusting relationship with their manager
Only 29% of workers feel comfortable honestly
disclosing concerns and worries with their manager
43% 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?” UK workers responded:
46%
36%
14%
3%
I am very clear
I am fairly clear
I am neither clear nor unclear
I am somewhat unclear
1% I am very unclear
Communication and Appreciation:
Only 1/3 of workers are clear on what the
company is trying to achieve and their part in it!
Q: How much do UK workers feel genuinely
appreciated?
I rarely feel
appreciated
12%
VS
I always feel
appreciated
I feel neither
appreciated nor
unappreciated
I sometimes
feel appreciated
20% 43%
20%
27% are often
praised and
understand
why
Handling Unhelpful Behaviour:
Q: Have you ever had to approach someone about
negative behaviour that affected you/your team?
34% who are
rarely praised
Yes, but I did not feel comfortable and did not know how to do so properly
I never feel
appreciated
5%
at all!
Yes, and I felt confident in my ability to
approach them and discuss the behaviour
34%
No, our team works very well together
24%
No, I would rather not create waves in the team
10%
14%
No, I escalated the issue to my manager or someone of a higher position
No, I don't feel confident in my ability to do this and get a positive outcome
50% of those who approached someone
said it either wasn’t resolved satisfactorily
or had a negative outcome
6%
12%
Is your manager good at
handling awkward or
difficult situations
Only 52% of workers
? think so
Future Aspirations:
Are we talking to our managers about our 2 year plan
and development opportunities at the company?
51% = yes!
However – 21% don’t 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 five 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