March Resource of the Month
In late 2024 we were introduced to Paul Zak, PhD. Paul is a neuroscientist, author, and professor known for his pioneering research on trust, oxytocin, and the neuroscience of human connection. As the founding director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, his work has influenced fields ranging from business and leadership to wellbeing and culture. He has authored several books, including Trust Factor and Immersion, and his insights have been featured in major publications and media worldwide.
We're excited about the possibility of hosting Paul as a speaker at a future event. In the interim, he has generously contributed valuable materials aligned with our quarterly themes, which we’re pleased to share with our community throughout the year. This quarter, as we explore the impact of organizational culture on wellbeing, we’re featuring two insightful pieces from Paul.
Building Trust in Police Departments: A Science-Backed Approach
Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and organizational performance, especially in high-stress environments like policing. In a recent study, Paul J. Zak and colleagues examined how organizational trust impacts job performance across five U.S. police departments. Their findings reveal that higher trust levels lead to greater job engagement, lower stress, and improved retention among officers.
To test solutions, the researchers implemented an intervention program aimed at increasing trust within one department. The results? Participants reported an 8% increase in trust, a 10.5% boost in retention, and significantly higher job satisfaction.
This study highlights a critical takeaway: By fostering a culture of trust, leaders can improve both employee wellbeing and organizational effectiveness. Read more about the research and its implications here.
Why Building Trust, Engagement & Emotional Fitness is the Key to Our Experience
Dr. Zak's 'SIRTA' framework emphasizes the importance of designing meaningful experiences. How can we apply these principles – Staging, Immersion, Relevance, Trust, and Authenticity – to enhance our daily work, meetings, and team interactions, and ultimately improve our overall wellbeing? Learn more in this video:
