Employers in the UK are putting their businesses at risk by failing to engage with staff, a new survey claims.
The research, conducted by HR consultancy firm Right Management, surveyed workers from six different countries and found the UK workforce to be the most lacking in motivation.
The survey reveals that, of the six countries involved in the study, the UK has the lowest proportion of motivated employees with less than a third claiming to be fully engaged at work.
In comparison, the research shows that just under half of employees in Norway are giving work their undivided attention and effort, as is 43% of the American workforce.
Surprisingly, only half of senior managers are fully engaged at work, which is perhaps filtering down to lower management level, where the least satisfied employees can be found, the survey suggests.
Charles Fair, research director for Europe at Right Management, said: “I would seriously worry about the state of any business where the top people are not fully on board.
“Not only are directors responsible for managing the company’s performance and direction, they are responsible for ensuring more junior staff are motivated and working productively.”
According to Right Management, separate studies have revealed that companies with committed, motivated employees will have 29% higher revenue, be 50% more likely to have above-average customer loyalty and 44% more likely to turn above-average profits than otherwise comparable organisations.
Ensuring employees have access to training, giving positive feedback as well as constructive criticism, setting clear goals and ensuring senior managers are accessible will help to motivate staff, the HR consultants say.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006
