Where Did the Trust Go?

During the pandemic, something unexpected happened in our workplaces: we became more compassionate.

We didn’t have a rulebook, but we had each other. And for a brief moment, grace became the norm. Children on laps during conference calls weren’t interruptions—they were reminders of humanity. Leaders made themselves more accessible, holding open Zoom office hours. Companies went out of their way to create connection—virtual coffee chats, workplace bingo, live concerts, wine tastings, professional development.

We were anxious, scared, and uncertain, but we tried to show up with empathy and understanding. Trust, transparency, and sensitivity weren’t buzzwords—they were survival skills.

But now?

The tone has shifted. Suddenly it’s “get back to work.” It’s “no one wants to work anymore.” It’s the tired narrative that blames whole generations for wanting something different.

It feels like somewhere along the way, we forgot our manners.

So, how do we get trust back?

Three Steps to Rebuilding Trust

Trust isn’t a one-time initiative. It’s a daily practice. And it’s also a language—seven of them, to be exact, which I explore in my new book Talk To Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace.

Here are three trust languages that feel especially urgent right now:

1. Transparency
Clarity over confusion. Share what you know, admit what you don’t, and bring people into the process. Even half an answer is better than silence.

2. Sensitivity
Pause before you hit “send.” Ask yourself: Will this build trust or erode it? Remember that some colleagues are still adjusting to new ways of working, managing new family realities, or carrying invisible burdens.

3. Acknowledgment
Not every thank-you comes with a bonus, but every person deserves recognition. Be specific. Don’t just say “good job”—say how their work made an impact. Silence breeds doubt; acknowledgment breeds loyalty.

The pandemic reminded us that trust is possible in the workplace. The question is: will we choose it again?

This week, try speaking one trust language—transparency, sensitivity, or acknowledgment—more intentionally. You’ll be surprised how quickly it shifts the tone on your team.

Because when trust is the foundation, everything else becomes possible. If your team is navigating communication challenges, I bring these frameworks to life through my keynote and interactive experience, The Trust Catalyst™.