New UOP White Paper Examines How to Rebuild Work Trust Amid AI Shift

The paper highlights strategies for leaders to reduce burnout and strengthen employee commitment and retention.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm

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University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has published a new white paper, "Rebuilding the Social Contract," that examines how burnout, limited career development, and perceptions of low autonomy can erode trust at work. The paper, authored by TaMika Fuller, DBA, and Victoria Lender, DBA, outlines practical approaches leaders can implement to reduce burnout and rebuild trust, including supporting work-life balance, expanding wellness resources, strengthening work relationships, increasing employee voice, and investing in career development in the age of AI.

Why it matters

As organizations navigate the shift towards increased automation and AI, rebuilding trust between employees and employers is crucial for maintaining engagement, commitment, and retention. The white paper provides research-backed strategies for leaders to address the root causes of burnout and empower their workforce during a period of significant technological change.

The details

The white paper draws on findings from the 2025 Career Optimism Index® study, which surveyed over 5,000 workers and 500 employers. Key insights include: 1) Burnout and lack of control are closely linked, with 70% of workers without control over their work reporting burnout, compared to 45% of those with control; 2) Career stagnation correlates with burnout, with 67% of employees not progressing in their careers reporting burnout. The authors outline strategies for leaders to rebuild trust, such as supporting work-life balance, expanding wellness resources, strengthening work relationships, increasing employee voice, and investing in career development amid the rise of AI.

  • The white paper was published on January 28, 2026.

The players

TaMika Fuller

A University of Phoenix research fellow in the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research, Department Chair of Culinary, Dietetics and Hospitality Management at Tarrant County College, and a professor of economics and business courses. Fuller earned a Doctor of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and holds graduate degrees in managerial economics and educational leadership.

Victoria Lender

Works in supply chain and logistics and teaches supply chain management, leadership, operations strategy and business courses at several universities. Lender earned a Doctor of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies

The college that published the white paper, "Rebuilding the Social Contract."

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What they’re saying

“Trust at work is built when organizational values show up as everyday decisions, especially decisions about workload, growth and transparency. When employees feel stuck or micromanaged while navigating constant change, burnout rises and trust declines. Leaders can reverse that by investing in skill development, meaningful mobility, and institutional practices that support employee well-being.”

— TaMika Fuller, University of Phoenix Research Fellow (Mirage News)

“Rebuilding the social contract is about improving systems. Organizations can strengthen trust by creating clearer pathways for career development, involving employees in decisions that affect their work, and setting straightforward guidance for responsible AI adoption so people understand how technology will support their careers.”

— Victoria Lender, University of Phoenix Alumna (Mirage News)

What’s next

The full white paper is available on the University of Phoenix Career Institute® webpage or on the Research Hub.

The takeaway

As organizations increasingly adopt AI and automation, rebuilding trust between employees and employers is crucial for maintaining engagement, commitment and retention. The white paper provides research-backed strategies for leaders to address burnout, empower their workforce, and strengthen the social contract during a period of significant technological change.