Performance levels dip as change becomes constant

The extent of change taking place at work is having a dramatically negative impact on employee health and business performance, but organisations are failing to address the issue.

Figures released by the Chartered Management Institute show that 89 per cent of managers have experienced some form of organisational change in recent months. The impact is being felt across businesses, with 60 per cent reporting an increase in illness rates over the past year, 58 per cent admitting they are unproductive for at least 1 day each week, and only 17 per cent believing that change has increased productivity and profitability.

To address these issues and provide guidance for managers and leaders, the Chartered Management Institute will run a special session on ëManaging Changeí at its National Convention, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, 11-12 October 2007. Focusing on how organisational change impacts on individuals it will enable participants to recognise when others are affected by change, what resistance they may face and how to deal with the situation.

Under the theme of Management and Leadership for Tomorrow, the seminar will form part of a series of 40 workshops at the two-day conference. Issues such as the role of technology will be addressed by Microsoft and preventing fraud in organisations will be covered by a representative from the Fraud Advisory Panel.

The conference will also host keynote addresses from senior business leaders, including:

ï Patrick Dunne, group communications director, 3i
ï Richard Bowker CBE, chief executive, National Express Group
ï Sir Gulam Noon MBE, chairman, Noon Products

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Institute, says: ìThe health of UK workplaces needs greater attention. With such high levels of illness being experienced, organisations and individuals must act to maintain their competitive edge. Failure to do so will lead to disruption because health clearly has an impact on performance, productivity and ultimately, the bottom line.î

At the 2007 National Convention, the Chartered Management Institute will also showcase two major new pieces of research. The reports will highlight the Quality of Working Life amongst UK employees and provide an insight into the learning and development habits preferred by individuals and their employer.