Morale is the lynchpin of efficiency

 

 

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that over 1.4 million UK workers are currently on zero-hours contracts.

 

Whilst employers cite this as a tool to enable flexibility in the workplace there is no doubt that this particular “employment contract” does have a negative impact on the morale of the workforce.

 

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 a throwback to the old Victorian style of management i.e. “if you don’t like it there are plenty of others ready to take the job”.

 

There is no better motivation than a clearly thought through strategy which is well communicated and executed.

 

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.