Free report
The Trust Gap Report 2026
Why employees stay silent, why leaders feel frustrated, and what to do about it.
Leaders want honest feedback. Employees want psychological safety. Yet many organisations are struggling to create environments where people feel comfortable speaking up, challenging ideas and having difficult conversations.
The result is a growing trust gap that can quietly undermine engagement, retention, decision-making and performance, at a time when AI is reshaping the workplace and human skills matter more than ever.
Based on research with 603 professionals across leadership, HR and employee populations, The Trust Gap Report 2026 reveals what’s really happening inside organisations and what leaders can do about it.
Key findings at a glance
of HR professionals regularly see employees stay silent when they disagree
say feedback is often too vague or avoids the real issue
of employees believe organisations are underinvesting in leadership and people development
Inside the report
- What’s driving the gap between leadership intentions and employee experience
- The hidden cost of organisational silence and feedback avoidance
- Why managers are struggling with burnout, coaching and capability pressures
- The human skills organisations need most as AI reshapes the workplace
- Practical actions to build trust, strengthen communication and develop more effective leaders
Who should read this
- CEOs and senior leaders
- HR and People leaders
- Talent, Rewards and L&D teams
- People managers
Why download it
Our research uncovered surprising disconnects between what leaders believe is happening and what employees actually experience.
The findings highlight where trust is breaking down, where organisations are getting it right, and the actions that can make the greatest impact on engagement, performance and culture.
Download your complimentary copy and discover how to close the gap between intention and reality.
Get the report
Enter your details and we’ll email you your complimentary copy of The Trust Gap Report 2026.
About the research
The Trust Gap Report 2026 is based on a survey of 603 professionals across a broad range of industries, organisation sizes and seniority levels, including executives, managers, HR leaders and individual contributors.
The research examined perceptions and experiences of workplace trust, communication, feedback culture, psychological safety, leadership capability and investment in people development. It provides insight into where leaders and employees align, where they differ, and what organisations can do to close the gap.