It seems as if today’s uncertainties are at historic highs. Underlying this is a clear indication that our “circles of trust” are growing smaller. But do not just believe me.

The results of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer speak to a troubling moment in our global society. You owe it to yourself and your organization to review the entire document. The report conducted interviews with 40,000 people from 28 countries.

Consider this overview statement: “The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a world retreating towards insularity. As economic anxiety, geopolitical tension, and technological disruption intensify, people are narrowing their world to smaller, familiar circles that reflect their views, and this hinders economic and societal progress.”

Edelman’s 2026 report documents a progression in recent years from polarization (working in a world where divisions are entrenched), to grievance (resenting a system that you feel is rigged against you), to insularity (being reluctant to trust anyone who is different than you).

We live in an age of ubiquitous information and disinformation sharing. Technology enables previously unimaginable reach and challenges distinctions between journalism, advocacy or activism. With the broadening use of AI, despite its remarkable benefits, we now often question the reality of what we read, see or hear.

In short, the recent Edelman “Trust Barometer” shows that trust is shifting. Respondents have lost trust in national government leaders, major news organizations and foreign business leaders. At the same time, trust has grown in neighbors, family and friends, “my” coworkers and “my” CEO.

Therein lies the opportunity. The “Trust Barometer” makes the case that businesses, employers and CEOs are best positioned to be “Trust Brokers.” Much of this speaks of the importance of internal communications for large, mid-sized and small corporations for building trust.

“Trust Barometer” respondents shared clear wisdom here:

• Businesses: 74% agreed to bring employees into the workplace to interact with people who are different than them. Sixty-eight percent suggest partnering with unexpected organizations to initiate cross-cultural or cross-political conversations.
• Employers: 82% encouraged employers to promote a shared identity or culture so that employees are reminded of what unites them rather than divides them. Eighty-one percent agree with a strategy to build teams that require people of different values to work together for success. Eighty percent agreed with mandatory employee training for engaging in constructive dialogue amid conflict.
• CEOs: Bridging divides and facilitating trust is a fundamental CEO responsibility. Seventy-three percent agreed yet only 44% think they are doing it well. Seventy-five percent agreed that CEOs should consult with people who have different values and backgrounds and 74% felt that they should constructively engage with groups who criticize or distrust the company.

As the “Trust Barometer” concludes, insularity stalls progress and businesses must address it. Fostering trust is the right strategy and skillset for leaders. Given the high degree of trust from employees, employers and CEOs are best positioned to lead the way.

For our own business and our clients, the key to living and thriving in this new age of insularity is to develop, fulfill and sustain trust in the workplace.

This will take dedicated, strategic and demanding work for every business, large or small. Develop the right communications strategy, manage content carefully and deliberately, support your executives in their communications efforts, be prepared for the crisis that keeps you awake at night and be sure to use social and digital media to support your communications strategy.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for a conversation about how we may help your organization to “broker trust” among those who matter most to your business success. Seize the opportunity. This is not the time to circle the wagons and wait-out the troubles.