Managers have tried various strategies and perks to boost employee
engagement—all with little impact on long-term retention and
performance. But now, neuroscience offers some answers. Through his
research on the brain chemical oxytocin—shown to facilitate
collaboration and teamwork—Zak has developed a framework for creating a
culture of trust and building a happier, more loyal, and more productive
workforce. By measuring people’s oxytocin levels in response to various
situations—first in the lab and later in the workplace—Zak identified
eight key management behaviors that stimulate oxytocin production and
generate trust: (1) Recognize excellence. (2) Induce “challenge stress.”
(3) Give people discretion in how they do their work. (4) Enable job
crafting. (5) Share information broadly. (6) Intentionally build
relationships. (7) Facilitate whole-person growth. (8) Show
vulnerability. Ultimately, Zak concludes, managers can cultivate trust
by setting a clear direction, giving people what they need to see it
through, and then getting out of their way. In short, to boost
engagement, treat people like responsible adults. INSET: HOW TRUST
CREATES JOY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]