Value your assets

As I undertake assignments for companies ranging from SME’s to publicly listed corporations, I am struck by the attitude of many senior managers towards the Company’s most important asset namely it's Staff.

Presently we are being bombarded with negative news- failing economies, the squeeze on domestic budgets, the spectre of unemployment etc

This constant drip feed of bad news has a very negative impact. Morale in the workplace at present is generally at a very low point and yet this seems not to have percolated into the mainstream of management thinking.

All too often the attitude of the management seems to be that the current backdrop will of itself be the motivating factor.

Obviously as companies struggle with their profitability, it is not a question of throwing money at the workforce but what is required is more of an attitudinal change.

Bringing the staff on board may well be as simple as communicating the company’s situation in a clear and concise manner rather than the heavy handed “if you don’t like it there are plenty of others ready to take the job”.

It is no coincidence that the companies who emerge stronger from challenging times have been able to do so largely as a result of the efforts of a committed and diligent workforce.