Managers need to do more if they want to earn the trust of their employees, according to the latest survey into employee attitudes from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The ninth Employee Well-being and the Psychological Contract survey by the CIPD, found that trust in senior management is declining.

In the private sector only 25 per cent of all employees said they were willing to place a lot of trust in senior management to look after their interests and 41 per cent placing little or no trust in them to do so.

Mike Emmott, CIPD employee relations adviser, said: "The survey shows that employers need to work a lot harder in order to get the best from their staff. Good communication is key, consulting people about change and ensuring they feel involved in the decision making process is basic good management."

It is not only top management who have problems – trust in employees' immediate line manager has also declined, dropping in the private sector by over 10 per cent over the past two years.

Fewer than half of respondents of the 1,000 felt their supervisor motivated them and only 37 per cent said their line manager actually helps them improve performance.

Other key findings from the survey include:

- 21 per cent of respondents said their jobs were either very or extremely stressful

- 26 per cent said they received little or no support from their supervisor

- 42 per cent said they have little control at work and 20 per cent indicated limited control

- Graduates report lower levels of satisfaction and commitment, despite often occupying senior positions

- Retention is more of a problem with highly employable graduates, especially those pursuing an independent career

- 24 per cent of graduates seek independent careers and this group want career success but on their own terms and not tied to a particular organisation.