Rising discontent across US society has made its way into the workplace. As a result, business leaders face significant challenges. In recent years, acrimonious debates have dominated political discourse.
Now, employees are voicing that same sense of grievance. The 25th Annual Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a troubling trend: increasing dissatisfaction with businesses, governments, and the wealthy, coupled with a growing expectation that companies address these issues.
Thirty-three thousand people worldwide participated in the survey. It was found that 60% of US respondents reported a moderate to strong sense of grievance. As for the key drivers of this sentiment, people perceive systematic inequality and are frustrated over decisions meant to favor elites.
As societal tensions rise, business leaders must navigate these complex organizational dynamics.
Trust Erosion and Rising Discontent
The Edelman survey highlights a dramatic decline in trust toward institutions—including businesses. Views on business competence and ethics have dropped below 50% since 2020.
The reason? Many respondents believe that political and economic systems are designed to benefit the wealthy. Even worse, they view these benefits as coming at the expense of the majority.
Fears of discrimination also rose, with a 14% increase among white Americans since 2024. 62% of participants worldwide cited artificial intelligence (AI) and globalization as significant threats to their job security. Combined with these concerns, fewer than one-third have high expectations: they believe the next generation will have a more difficult life.
This growing sense of injustice is fueling hostile attitudes. The survey found that 40% of respondents support aggressive activism—including online attacks, spreading disinformation, and even violent actions to achieve their desired outcomes. This belief is most prevalent among younger generations: 53% of respondents aged 18 to 34 endorse such methods.
Implications for Business Leaders
Business leaders must recognize the workplace as a microcosm of these societal tensions. Grievances once expressed in the public sphere are increasingly voiced in professional settings. And with employees demanding more from their employers, companies must address several societal concerns, including climate change, affordability, and job retraining.
According to the Edelman report, “(People) with a higher sense of grievance are more likely to believe that business is not doing enough to address societal issues.” This fact highlights the growing expectation for companies to act as agents of social change.
While overall distrust in CEOs has increased, many employees still hold relatively favorable views of their direct managers. Business leaders have an opportunity to inspire trust—while proactively addressing employee concerns.
The challenge? Companies must anticipate these hurdles and establish frameworks for positive responses to rising workplace grievances.
The Path Forward
Edelman CEO Richard Edelman insists that media, businesses, governments, and NGOs must work together to address the root causes of current grievances. He highlights businesses’ role as catalysts for societal change—despite the anticipated backlash from those who oppose their expanded responsibilities.
“Business is facing backlash from those opposing its role as a catalyst for societal change,” Edelman confirmed. “Moving back from a grievance-based society will require a cross-institution effort to address issues like information integrity, affordability, sustainability, and the future of AI.”
For businesses, the path forward includes building trust and creating employee growth opportunities. Leaders must invest in equitable pay, sustainable practices, and other timely initiatives that address employee concerns.
Meeting Employee Expectations
One of the big takeaways from the Edelman survey is that businesses currently have a unique opportunity: they can bridge the gap between employee expectations and institutional change. Companies can position themselves as leaders in this new landscape by proactively—and transparently—addressing their employees’ grievances. As societal tensions grow, business leaders who prioritize trust and accountability will stand out in a world increasingly defined by grievance politics.
