Trust Fall: How Workplace Relationships Fail Us

How do millions of Americans navigate today’s demanding and unpredictable work terrain without the protection of strong labor laws, unions, or a reliable social safety net? They turn to trusted colleagues and supervisors to help find a way through the chaos. But is interpersonal trust truly a solution, or just another source of vulnerability?

In Trust Fall, Sarah Mosseri delves into the intricate web of workplace trust. Drawing on years of immersive research across diverse industries--from bustling restaurants and tech startups to marketing agencies and ride-hail circuits--she uncovers how the very bonds workers rely on to manage instability and insecurity often deepen their exposure to risk and exploitation.

Blending vivid storytelling with sharp sociological insight, Trust Fall reveals the seduction and costs of workplace trust. It gives readers the language to recognize and challenge the unspoken bargains workers make to belong, thrive, and survive in today’s precarious labor landscape.

Sarah Mosseri is a writer and sociologist whose National Science Foundation-funded research on workplace inequalities and cultures has appeared in leading academic journals. Her vast experience across frontline and professional roles grounds her sharp take on work’s complex realities.