Employee engagement ''key in tackling poor staff performance''

Regular employee engagement has been highlighted as a leading method in reducing cases of poor performance among staff.

A study by XpertHR showed that having a private chat with workers can prove to be the best way of offering guidance and ultimately improving performance within the workplace, Personnel Today reports.

An unacceptable standard of work and sickness absence were among the leading causes of bad attainment by workers. However, the study also suggested that 60 per cent of the company bosses surveyed had little faith in their management team in addressing the issue.

Report author Rachel Suff told the publication that specific training may be required so managers are better equipped to offer guidance.

"If line managers are going to be up to the task of effectively managing performance - and underperformance - they need the support to discharge this responsibility," she noted.

Last week, Legal & General advised that companies can reduce the problems caused by sickness absence by taking out Group Income Protection insurance.