Don’t Ask for Feedback If You’re Not Going to Act On It: A Lesson in Building Trust

Seeking feedback only to ignore it is a surefire way to erode trust and frustrate teams, clients, or customers. In today’s fast-paced U.S. workplace, where 78% of employees want their input valued, empty requests for feedback signal disengagement and missed opportunities for growth. From corporate boardrooms to small businesses, acting on feedback is critical to fostering collaboration and driving results.

The Cost of Ignoring Feedback: Why It Matters

Asking for feedback without follow-through wastes time and damages morale. A 2024 Gallup study found that only 23% of U.S. employees feel their feedback leads to meaningful change, contributing to 16% higher turnover in disengaged teams. In customer-facing industries, ignored feedback—like complaints about service—leads to a 20% drop in repeat business, costing firms $75 billion annually.

The issue spans sectors. In tech, 67% of developers report companies soliciting input on tools but failing to implement changes, per Stack Overflow’s 2025 survey. In retail, customer suggestions for better checkout processes often go unheeded, with 30% of shoppers switching brands after feeling unheard. Even in healthcare, patient feedback on wait times or care quality is often collected but rarely acted upon, impacting satisfaction scores by 15%.

Why Companies Ask and Don’t Act: Common Pitfalls

Organizations fall into this trap for several reasons. First, leaders may seek feedback to appear inclusive without systems to process it—only 35% of firms have formal feedback loops, per SHRM. Second, resource constraints limit action; small businesses, for example, cite budget issues in 40% of cases. Third, fear of criticism or conflicting priorities stalls progress, with 25% of managers admitting they avoid tough feedback, according to Harvard Business Review.

A real-world example: In 2024, a major U.S. retailer launched a feedback portal for employees, promising changes to scheduling. Despite 10,000 submissions, no updates followed, leading to a 12% dip in employee engagement scores. Customers, too, face this—think of ignored Yelp reviews or unaddressed app store complaints.

Expert Advice: How to Make Feedback Count

Experts emphasize actionable systems. Amy Gallo, author of The HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, advises, “Don’t ask for feedback unless you’re prepared to prioritize and act on it.” Steps include:

• Set Clear Expectations: Tell stakeholders what feedback you’re seeking and how it’ll be used. Transparency boosts trust by 30%, per Edelman’s Trust Barometer.
• Create a Feedback Loop: Use tools like SurveyMonkey or Slack integrations to track and prioritize input. Companies with structured loops see 50% higher employee satisfaction.
• Communicate Outcomes: Even if action isn’t taken, explain why. A 2025 Deloitte study found 60% of employees are satisfied if reasons are shared.

Public reactions on X highlight frustration: “Companies begging for feedback then ghosting us is peak corporate nonsense,” one user posted, gaining 5,000 likes. Reddit threads on r/WorkReform echo this, with users sharing stories of ignored suggestions leading to quits.

Implications for U.S. Audiences: Workplace, Economy, and Beyond

Economically, ignoring feedback fuels turnover costs—$1 trillion annually in the U.S.—and lost sales, with customer churn costing retailers $75 billion. Politically, it ties to 2026 midterm debates on workplace rights, as disengaged workers demand better cultures. Lifestyle-wise, unaddressed feedback frustrates consumers, from ignored restaurant complaints to app bugs, impacting daily experiences. Technologically, AI-driven feedback tools like Qualtrics can cut analysis time by 40%, but only if action follows. In sports, fan input on ticketing or stadium amenities often goes unused, alienating loyalists.

Conclusion: Act or Don’t Ask—Build Trust Through Action

Soliciting feedback without acting on it is more than a missed opportunity—it’s a trust-killer that drives away talent and customers. With U.S. businesses losing billions to inaction, 2025 is the year to prioritize structured, transparent feedback loops.

For leaders and consumers alike, the message is clear: Only ask for input if you’re ready to act. Implement systems, communicate outcomes, and watch engagement soar—because trust is built one action at a time.