[1]Strengthening Trust top banner

For society to function, people must believe in the institutions meant to
serve them. They need to know that the government is acting in their best
interests, that businesses are operating ethically and efficiently, that
nonprofits are improving their communities, and that the media is
delivering timely, accurate information. Trust creates the conditions for
these organizations to carry out their missions. This week’s [2]In Focus
dives into how the Aspen Institute works with the business, nonprofit, and
government sectors to strengthen institutional trust by developing
evidence-based solutions, engaging in dialogue, and fostering leadership.

[3]Placing Trust in Workers Can Improve Jobs and Businesses

The [4]Economic Opportunities Program team thinks deeply about the
relationship between employers and workers. Maintaining a two-way street of
trust is crucial. It not only keeps workers happy and reduces turnover but
also can be a [5]key driver of innovation and business performance.
Executive Director Maureen Conway and Associate Director Matt Helmer share
tips for company leaders who want to create high-trust environments.

Key Takeaways:
* Low-income workers report feeling less trusted by their bosses than
their higher-earning counterparts. They believe their skills are
undervalued.

* Workers who are constantly monitored and under threat of replacement
are less engaged and productive.

* Companies that develop workers’ skills and engage them in
decision-making experience a competitive advantage over their peers.

[6]Read the full piece here.

[7]Twitter icon

[8]Hows the Social Sector Helps Break Cycles of Distrust

There has been an almost 50-year decline in social connectedness, says Jane
Wales, executive director of the [9]Program on Philanthropy and Social
Innovation. Nonprofits and volunteer organizations—jointly known as the
social sector—make [10]an ideal setting to foster trust, providing a space
for community members to solve problems and share resources. Wales believes
we can rebuild our social ties by encouraging people to give back.

[11]Read more here.

[12]Twitter icon

[13]Aligning the Health of Business and Society

As a decline in trust threatens our democracy, businesses are often forced
to [14]step into domains outside their control. In a piece for Quartz, Judy
Samuelson, executive director of the [15]Business and Society Program, says
that it is unrealistic for companies to stay silent or remain neutral on
social issues. CEOs must speak up to keep the trust of customers and
employees. Samuelson believes that businesses and workers fundamentally
want the same thing: for the company to flourish long-term while operating
with a set of shared values. To generate trust in the business sector,
company leaders must demonstrate that they are putting a healthy society
ahead of profits.

[16]video

[17]Twitter icon

We Can Repair Fractured Trust in Congress

Polarization and gridlock have caused Americans’ confidence in government
to dwindle. Moreover, they do not believe that their elected officials are
responsive to their needs or values. Charlie Dent, executive director of
the [18]Congressional Program, served seven terms in the US House of
Representatives. He discussed how this decline in trust impacts our
nation's lawmakers. All of us—politicians and constituents—must make space
for healthy disagreement to solve societal problems.

[19]video

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