The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer sends a clear and urgent message to leaders across the globe: trust in institutions is eroding, and societal grievances are at an all-time high. With 61% of respondents expressing frustration that businesses and governments complicate their lives while serving narrow interests, it is clear that leadership approaches must evolve. For leaders committed to building inclusive, equitable spaces, this report offers both a wake-up call and a roadmap for change.
The Edelman Trust Barometer is an annual global survey that tracks trust and credibility across four key institutions: government, business, media, and NGOs. For its 2025 edition, the survey gathered insights from over 33,000 respondents across 28 countries, providing a comprehensive view of public sentiment. This year’s findings reveal deep concerns about economic inequality, political polarization, and institutional accountability, framing a challenging landscape for leaders to navigate. Despite these challenges, the report emphasizes that businesses, in particular, are uniquely positioned to act as stabilizing forces and rebuild trust by addressing societal needs.
In this post, we’ll explore key takeaways from the Edelman report and discuss how inclusive leadership can address these challenges and rebuild trust.

The state of trust
According to the report, trust is in decline across major institutions—businesses, governments, NGOs, and the media. This erosion is driven by several factors:
Societal grievances: Over half of respondents report feeling disconnected and underserved by institutions. The data shows these sentiments are especially acute among older generations and those on the political left.
Economic insecurity: From inflation fears to the looming threat of automation, 75% of people worry about financial stability, while 62% cite concerns over the impacts of global trade conflicts.
Perceived unfairness: Many believe that wealth disparity—and the failure of the wealthy to contribute fairly—is a key driver of societal problems.
Hostile activism: Alarmingly, 40% of respondents approve of aggressive tactics like online attacks or disinformation to achieve change.
These findings underscore a crisis of confidence that cannot be ignored. Inclusive leadership offers a path forward.
How inclusive leaders can rebuild trust
2. Rebuild trust through authenticity and care
Trust isn’t restored through words alone. Inclusive leaders need to take authentic, visible actions that demonstrate care and support for their teams. This might include flexible policies for economic stressors or investing in mental health resources. Leaders who embody authenticity create an environment where employees feel valued and heard.
3. Alleviate economic anxiety through clear communication and empowerment
Economic concerns require proactive solutions. Leaders should provide transparent updates on issues like automation or trade’s impact on jobs, and offer skill-building programs to help employees adapt. Empowering employees to navigate change builds resilience and reduces uncertainty.
4. Promote fairness and equity to combat perceptions of disparity
Disparities in wealth and opportunity fuel distrust. Inclusive leaders can tackle this by auditing pay equity, diversifying hiring practices, and ensuring that corporate social responsibility initiatives align with community needs. When leaders act visibly to address inequity, they build trust within and outside their organizations.
5. Engage constructively with activism
Rather than dismissing activism as disruptive, inclusive leaders should create channels for constructive dialogue and collaboration. This involves listening to activists’ concerns, engaging respectfully, and demonstrating a willingness to evolve.
A call to action
Rebuilding trust is not an overnight task, but it is one of the most critical challenges leaders face today. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights both the urgency and the opportunity for inclusive leadership to create meaningful change.
As a leader, consider this an invitation to reflect on your practices:
- Are you listening to your team and community with empathy?
- Are you taking concrete steps to address inequity and create a sense of belonging?
How are you communicating through uncertainty and change?
Inclusive leadership isn’t just a strategy—it’s a commitment to building a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
In other words
The Edelman Trust Barometer paints a sobering picture of our current reality. Yet within these challenges lies an incredible opportunity for leaders to redefine how they connect with their teams and communities. By prioritizing inclusion, transparency, and action, leaders can rebuild trust and inspire confidence in the institutions they represent.
The time for inclusive leadership is now.#
References
- Covey, S. (2008). The Speed of Trust.
- Edelman (2025). Edelman Trust Barometer.