Morale ‘still
high’ among employees

Most firms describe employee relations as “co-operative” and many believe morale is high despite the state of the economy, new research has shown.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jul 2012, 07:00 BST

A survey of more than 300 businesses, employing almost two million workers, revealed that only five per cent said employee relations were adversarial.

Virtually all those polled by the CBI were confident their staff recognised the need to contain costs. Almost a third of employers said they planned to create jobs in the next six months, while around half were planning a below-inflation pay rise.

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Katja Hall, the CBI’s chief policy director, said: “In the UK we have a good story to tell about collaboration in the workplace during the worst of the economic crisis. By working pragmatically and flexibly together, employers and employees have been able to safeguard and create jobs.

“With two-thirds of businesses reporting high levels of co-operation in their workplace, employers clearly understand the value of engaging their employees
and keeping them informed about business challenges being faced.

“The interests of employees, employers and the economy as a whole will continue to be best served by maintaining these
positive employment relationships.”

Albert Ellis, chief executive of recruitment firm Harvey Nash, which helped with the study, said there was a “positive, can-do atmosphere in the private sector.