The greatest challenge – employee morale

Michelle Hicks

A recent survey of WorldatWork Conference participants shows employee morale and engagement continues to be the greatest work force challenge. Buck Consultants surveyed attendees at WorldatWork’s Annual Conference in San Diego May 23-25. More than 200 attendees responded to share their perceptions of the impact of the recession on employees.

It appears engagement is a lingering concern as the economy continues to wobble toward recovery. Nearly 82 percent of those surveyed cited morale and engagement as a greatest, significant or moderate challenge faced by their organization. Only 18 percent said it was not an issue.

Other organizational challenges included rising health care costs at 72 percent and doing more with less at 71 percent.

Organizations are seeking creative ways to combat these challenges. The top five strategies implemented during the recession and still in place are a greater use of temporary or contract workers, increased emphasis on EAPs (employee assistance programs) and related support, job restructuring, greater use of part-time arrangements and layoffs.

One bright spot in the survey data was the impact of the recession on safety and accidents. More than three-quarters of respondent said the recession presented little to challenge in those areas. Employers clearly maintained a significant emphasis on safety and employees may have been more safety conscious, even though they experience higher levels of stress.

HR can help its organizations continue to move forward through these uncertain times by encouraging its leaders to remember business results are not the only measure of recovery. Ruth Hunt, Buck Consultants’ Communication principal, says recovery must also be measured by a re-engaged and re-energized work force.

Employers should also remember that as their organizations regain strength, employees will be eager to “share in the wealth.” Now may also be a good time to consider flexible work arrangements to help combat work-life imbalances that result from high stress and fewer resources.

Employers need to continue to communicate sensitively and candidly about next steps, even when the road ahead is not clear. It is the best path toward rebuilding organizational trust – a cornerstone of organizational strength.

Michelle Hicks is a communications consultant with Buck Consultants. Contact her at michelle.hicks@buckconsultants.com.

NEW! Online only subscription. 24/7 access to premium online subscriber content for only $79.00 a year!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!

Comments are closed.