Concern over job security encourages UK employees to stay put

Three out of four (77 per cent) employees working for the UK’s 50 Best Workplaces want to work for their company for a long time, according to new research published by the research and management consultancy The Great Place to Work Institute UK. This has increased from 44 per cent just 12 months ago, reflecting an increased concern about job security and the risks associated with switching companies in an unstable economic climate. Increased workplace mobility may also explain why Britons are more focused on staying with their existing employer.

Three-quarters (75 per cent) of employees at the UK’s 50 Best Workplaces think promotions go to those who most deserve them, an increase from 64 per cent in 2003.

Workers also feel workplaces are becoming less hierarchical with 86 per cent of employees working for these organisations claiming they are regarded as a full member of the team, regardless of their position in the company

The UK’s best employers recognise that to keep their talented employees they must engage them in the decisions affecting the working environment. Within these organisations 74 per cent of employees believe that management consults them when making decisions affecting their jobs or environment.

On the humanity front, three-quarters (76 per cent) of these workers believe that management shows sincere interest in them as a person, not just as an employee. The research also reveals that the death knell has sounded for office politics. Three-quarters (74 per cent) of employees surveyed claim people in their workplace avoid politicking and backstabbing – this compares with 63 per cent in 2003.

In addition, these organisations work hard to avoid establishing a ‘blame culture’, with 80 per cent of workers claiming their management recognises that honest mistakes are part of doing business.