Employee engagement 'has many positive benefits'

A strong organisational leadership team has a significant impact on employee engagement levels according to a new report

In a report which may encourage HR recruitment among UK firms, the Kenexa Research Institute claimed that when morale is high, workers are more likely to be productive and loyal team members.

Engaged employees are also likely to promote the company in a positive light among their peers and in the local community, the firm suggests.

It argues that employees with positive opinions of their leadership team state a much greater intention to stay with the organisation compared to those who are dissatisfied.

They are also much more likely to have confidence in the company's future and feel they can achieve their ambitions while continuing to work there.

Jack Wiley, executive director of the Kenexa Research Institute, said the findings reinforce the importance of senior management's communication with employees.

He added: "Those teams that demonstrate a strong emphasis on gaining employees' confidence through their decisions and actions, keep employees well-informed regarding company direction, and have the ability to deal with the organisation's challenges are the teams that will build more highly engaged workforces and outperform their competitors."

According to Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, good company management can help limit staff attrition.