UK workforce under pressure as employees face climate of change

2 months ago 12th Sep 10:32

Investors in People UK urges bosses to actively manage change to maintain productivity

Friday 12 September 2008

In an increasingly challenging business environment, the biggest change expected by UK employees in the next twelve months is an increase in their workload, according to new research released today by Investors in People UK. The research also reveals that employees are already likely to be feeling the pressure, with over half (53%) saying that they have seen an increase in their workload over the last 12 months.

Reflecting the tougher business conditions predicted, the research – carried out by YouGov for Investors in People UK, which works with organisations to improve performance – reveals that 69% of UK employees anticipate they will experience some changes in the workplace over the coming year, including increased workload (46%), a new manager (14%), news they may lose their job (14%) or relocation (14%).

The research also found that many employees are concerned about their employer’s ability to manage them through these periods of change. Although 43% of staff with a line manager felt confident that their organisation would make the right decision for the future success of the organisation, almost half (49%) felt that their organisation wouldn’t listen to their views. Furthermore, more than a third (35%) said they wouldn’t feel confident they would be informed of change in a timely or appropriate way and 38% doubted their organisation would be honest and transparent about what was happening and why. Worryingly, 56% of employees say the most common sign of change in their organisation is an increase in meetings happening behind closed doors or hushed conversations.

The research highlights the importance of employers actively managing change in the workplace to ensure it doesn’t have a negative impact on motivation and productivity. Commenting on the findings, Simon Jones, Chief Executive at Investors in People UK, said:

“To ensure productivity and motivation levels do not suffer in the current climate, it’s important that employers actively manage change in the right way. With more than two–thirds of the workforce expecting to experience a change in the workplace in the next 12 months bosses must pay heed to employees’ views on how they’d like to be kept informed in times of change.

More about UK workforce under pressure as employees face climate of change on page 2