The secret recipe to Business Energy success

Adecco and the Chartered Management Institute have released the full Business Energy Survey, offering some much needed advice to help UK organisations stir up some energy amongst the UK workforce. The Business Energy Survey questioned over 1,500 managers and found UK businesses need to listen to the demands of their employees to successfully create a positive working environment and make employees feel proud to work for their organisations.

The Business Energy Survey, conducted in May 2004, assessed attitudes, motivations and aspirations of the UKís managers. Previous survey highlights indicated that a substantial number of managers felt undervalued in their role, many were working a seven-day week and had to compromise spending time with their family and friends because of work demands. As a result organisations have been asked to sit up and take note of the following advice:

Proactive not reactive ñ 65 per cent of managers claimed they worked for a bureaucratic or reactive organisation. UK organisations need to move away from these ineffective management styles and involve their staff in the decision making process

Resource planning ñ 1 in 3 said they had received no training in the last 12 months despite 53 per cent of managers claiming they were aware a training budget exists. Companies need to develop their managers and also provide the resources needed to carry out their job

Praise not pay ñ 57 per cent of those surveyed claimed to be energised by achieving their goals but most donít see recognition for their efforts. Organisations need to thank individuals for personal contributions and realise that, often, praise matters more than pay

Flexible working ñ 39 per cent of those surveyed stated they would like a compressed working week, but less than 6 per cent expect it to happen. Organisations should respond to the need to juggle commitments to make staff feel valued

Make the message heard ñ CEOs need to express a clear vision and communicate it effectively to all levels of staff. 51 per cent claimed directors do not communicate their message clearly to employees and many feel frustrated by the lack of communication within the workplace

Zero tolerance ñ The survey highlighted that 50 per cent of businesses tolerated poor performance. Corporate confidence and energy filters through to individuals, so leaders need to be inspirational and encourage creativity to generate business growth

The report shows that managers have expressed dissatisfaction with the current practices in the workplace. To raise business energy, UK businesses need to follow the advice that has surfaced from the findings. Respondents want better two-way communications, to be trusted and empowered, treated with fairness, dignity and respect. By rewarding those who work hard and by listening to the demands of employees, people will feel they are being valued for their contribution and work harder.

ìMore people are working longer and harder than ever and with the pension crisis this does not seem like itís going to change,î said Richard MacMillan, MD of Adecco. ìWith the increase in working hours, traditional working practices will have to change to ensure business energy remains high and people do not become demoralised by working. In the long term this will not only benefit the individual but also UK businesses.î

Christine Hayhurst, director of professional affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: ìEnergy levels can be an indication of commitment and a powerful driver of successful growth. So unless staff are motivated to perform and given the opportunity to develop there is a danger that organisations and their people will stagnate.î