Involving staff is the future (From Western Telegraph)

Involving staff is the future

1:22pm Wednesday 30th September 2009 in Jobs

Involving employees fully in the future of the firms they work for will be a key step if businesses are to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities, an independent review has announced.

The MacLeod Review of employee engagement has recommended government support and more cooperation by UK businesses both large and small, to make sure the relationship between employees and employers is at the centre of successful business plans.

Led by David MacLeod and Nita Clarke, the review was commissioned in September to make recommendations on promoting employee engagement.

David MacLeod said: “This is about unleashing the potential of people at work and enabling them to be the best they can be. Whether we are in a downturn or in better economic times, engagement is a key to innovation and competitiveness.

“Engagement is increasingly recognised as vital by senior figures in the public sector, the private sector and trades unions. We are delighted that if our recommendations are accepted, a distinguished sponsor group has already agreed to work with us to raise awareness and understanding.

“Employers in all parts of the economy can make a success of employee engagement through culture change, rather than investing significant financial resources.”

Nita Clarke said: “Our recommendations set out a road-map for government to offer help and support, and for businesses and employee groups to help each other. If workplaces up and down the UK learn from the best standards that are already in place, the whole country will benefit.”