Employee engagement  lower than at peak of recession

New research has claimed that UK workers are less engaged now than they were at the peak of the recession. A study carried out by the Kenexa Research Institute and published in HR Magazine showed that overall engagement in the UK stood at 54 per cent in 2009, but has fallen to 51 per cent today.

Jack Wiley, executive director at the institute, told the publication: "In 2009, employees in the UK were very relieved to even have a job but, over the past year as employee numbers have been cut, staff have experienced more stress, lack of pay rises and more work heaped upon them."

The research also examined the factors which drive employee engagement and found opportunities for growth and development, faith in leadership and staff recognition are among the most influential.

Mr Wiley also stressed the importance of good management, explaining that people are more willing to put in extra effort for leaders which they trust.

Last week, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development employee relations adviser Mike Emmott suggested that open lines of communication in the workplace are among the best ways to boost team spirit and employee motivation.