Global Trust Crisis Deepens as People Turn to Employers
People around the world are growing increasingly wary of their governments and major institutions. Geopolitical tensions and economic worries are fueling this widespread distrust, according to a major new survey from communications firm Edelman. The findings paint a picture of a planet where faith in traditional authority figures continues to erode.
Survey Reveals a World of Distrust
Richard Edelman, the CEO of the company, presented the stark results on Monday. He described a global mindset where "distrust is the new default instinct." The annual survey, released just before the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, gathered responses from 37,500 people across 28 countries between late October and mid-November.
The data shows a clear pattern. Confidence in institutions and their leaders is crumbling. This loss of faith is pushing people to seek stability and reassurance closer to home. For many, that place is now their workplace.
The Workplace Emerges as a Sanctuary of Trust
In a surprising shift, the poll identifies employers as the most credible brokers of trust today. The office is now seen as the safest environment to discuss difficult topics. These include the impact of artificial intelligence, the challenges of globalization, and concerns about economic livelihoods.
Richard Edelman explained this phenomenon. He noted that workplaces have established rules for behavior that often don't exist in the wider world. This structure creates a perceived zone of safety and predictability.
Edelman strongly argued that it is in the best interest of businesses to uphold this trust. He warned that detachment and narrow-mindedness within companies can directly harm their financial performance and long-term success.
A Divided and Fearful Workforce
The survey uncovered deep divisions and anxieties among workers. A striking 70% of respondents stated they are unwilling to trust someone with different values, information, life experiences, or backgrounds.
This lack of trust has practical consequences in the workplace. About 42% of people said they would rather switch departments than work for a person they don't trust. Furthermore, one-third admitted they would put in less effort if a project leader did not share their core beliefs.
The "Me Over We" Mentality Takes Hold
Edelman summarized the prevailing attitude as a choice for "the safety of the familiar over the perceived risk of innovation." He observed that societies now prefer nationalism to global connection. People are choosing individual benefit over common advancement. In short, it's "the Me over the We."
The survey data supports this grim outlook. A majority of low-income workers express fear of being left behind by the AI revolution. Concerns about job losses from trade disputes and potential recessions have reached an all-time high. Alarmingly, less than one-third of those surveyed believe the next generation will be better off than their own.
Key Factors Undermining Global Trust
According to Edelman, specific fears are driving this crisis. "Fears of inflation, potential job loss to AI and concerns about disinformation are now the most corrosive factors undermining trust," he stated. He described a collective psychological shift from alarm to anger, and now to what he calls "sullen acquiescence and insularity."
Stagnant Faith in Leaders, Shifting National Scores
Overall trust in governments, business leaders, and the media showed little change over the past year. However, the survey recorded significant national variations.
France, grappling with a sustained political crisis since mid-2024, experienced the largest drop in public confidence. In contrast, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw the biggest increases in trust. Notably, these two countries recently finalized a major economic partnership agreement designed to significantly deepen their trade ties.
Context of the World Economic Forum
The Edelman Trust Barometer was released as global leaders prepared to gather in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meetings of the World Economic Forum began on Monday. The timing is poignant. The WEF's own recent risk report highlighted "geoeconomic confrontation" and "state-based armed conflict" as the top two concerns among the experts it polled. These findings underscore the tense global backdrop against which this crisis of trust is unfolding.
