The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a world grappling with widespread institutional distrust. With business maintaining its position as the most trusted institution globally, it now shoulders a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to rebuild societal trust. The findings underscore the urgency for organizations to prioritize authenticity and human-centricity as foundational strategies to restore and sustain trust.

Key Findings from the Edelman Trust Barometer

1. Eroding Trust Across Institutions
   The report highlights a steep decline in trust across government, media, and NGOs. Business remains the most trusted institution but faces increasing scrutiny, especially from groups experiencing high levels of grievance.

2. The Grievance Mindset
   Sixty-one percent of respondents expressed moderate to high levels of grievance, rooted in perceptions of unfairness, inequality, and self-serving institutional actions. This mindset fuels distrust and creates barriers to collaboration.

3. The Role of Business
   Businesses are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in addressing societal issues, with stakeholders calling for more ethical practices, reskilling initiatives, and community investment. Authentic leadership and transparent communication are critical.

Four in 10 people see hostile activism as a viable means to drive change.

Breaking it down: What is “hostile activism”?

I approve of hostile activism to drive change:

• Attack people online (27%)

• Intentionally spread disinformation (25%)

• Threaten or commit violence (23%)

• Damage public or private property (23%)

The Role of Authentic Leadership in Restoring Trust

At the core of rebuilding trust lies authentic leadership. Leaders who embody integrity, empathy, and a clear vision for their teams and stakeholders can inspire confidence even in uncertain times. Authentic leaders:

• Foster Transparency: By openly communicating challenges and strategies, they reduce speculation and build credibility.

• Champion Ethical Practices: Stakeholders want to see businesses as forces for good. Ethical decision-making and accountability are non-negotiable.

• Create Inclusive Cultures: When leaders actively listen and respond to diverse perspectives, they cultivate environments of respect and collaboration.

Enhancing Team Effectiveness to Combat Grievance

Effective teams are the backbone of any organization’s success, particularly in an era of distrust. The Edelman Trust Barometer points to the need for businesses to improve internal collaboration and employee engagement. High-performing teams share common traits:

• Clarity of Purpose: Teams aligned on shared goals can act decisively and innovatively to overcome challenges.

• Mutual Accountability: When team members trust each other to deliver results, it fosters a culture of reliability and support.

• Continuous Development: Organizations that invest in reskilling and upskilling their employees not only enhance productivity but also demonstrate commitment to their workforce's future.

Why We’re Curious

At High Peaks Group, our curiosity about global trust is driven by our mission to empower organizations with transformative leadership and collaborative effectiveness. The findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer spark deeper inquiry into how trust can be restored in a fractured world. Here are five points that align with our mission and philosophy:

• Leadership as a Catalyst for Change: How can organizations cultivate authentic leaders who inspire trust and navigate today’s complex challenges?

• Resilience Through Team Collaboration: What innovative approaches can organizations adopt to strengthen team dynamics and foster collective accountability?

• Addressing Grievance with Inclusion: How can organizations ensure that their culture actively mitigates feelings of exclusion and grievance among employees and stakeholders?

• Embedding Values in Operations: What practical steps can businesses take to align their strategies with ethical practices and societal expectations?

• Future-Proofing Workforces: How can organizations invest in reskilling and upskilling to create an adaptable and empowered workforce that meets the demands of tomorrow?

Actionable Steps for Organizations

1. Lead with Purpose: Define and communicate a clear organizational mission that prioritizes societal impact alongside business success.

2. Invest in People: Reskilling, mental well-being initiatives, and opportunities for advancement can solidify trust within teams and communities.

3. Embed Ethics into Strategy: Align actions with values to meet stakeholder expectations and rebuild credibility.

Conclusion: Trust Starts Within

As the Edelman Trust Barometer shows, trust is the currency of sustainable growth. For organizations, focusing on authentic leadership and building effective teams isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. High Peaks Group is here to guide businesses in navigating these complexities, fostering cultures that inspire trust and innovation.