Economic recovery hampered by low employee engagement levels 

Almost one-third of executives fears low levels of employee engagement and trust could lead to the loss of key talent when the economy recovers, new research has revealed 

In the survey of more than 400 executives by the Economist Intelligence Unit 30% felt trust was either very low or low, and they expected to see resignations when the economic recovery became more certain.

 But the Companies at the Crossroads report revealed a disparity in views between business leaders and managers. While 38% of chief executives and directors felt levels of trust in their companies were high and staff were engaged, only 16% of managers felt the same way. 

In total, 57% felt clearer communication was essential to rebuild employee trust, while 49% said it was important to create clear career paths for staff. Just over one-third (34%) cited improved training and mentoring as a key way to raise engagement levels. 

But while HR chiefs insisted their engagement levels had held up during the recession and they were not yet seeing staff abandon their companies, they stressed that employers had to make sure they were communicating the right information to staff.