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 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.

The 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 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.

Read the full piece here.

There has been an almost 50-year decline in social connectedness, says Jane Wales, executive director of the Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation. Nonprofits and volunteer organizations—jointly known as the social sector—make 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.

Read more here.

Aligning the Health of Business and Society

As a decline in trust threatens our democracy, businesses are often forced to step into domains outside their control. In a piece for Quartz, Judy Samuelson, executive director of the 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.

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 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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up for future updates here.

The Aspen Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the greatest challenges of our time.

Your support makes this work possible.

Support Us

If, for any reason, you would rather not be included in our database, please email [email protected] requesting your removal. Please be aware that some information may be retained for legal purposes and that your removal may limit or cancel any services rendered by the Aspen Institute to you. Personal data contained in our database is processed under the lawful basis of legitimate interest and is typically included in our database either because you previously subscribed to a newsletter to receive information about our activities/events or attended a recent event. As always, if you would like to unsubscribe to future emails such as this, please unsubscribe below.