Out last week, a survey of 1000 workers by communications consultancy CHA asking what action their employer could take to immediately help improve morale during the downturn.
The top response was predictable - "a pay rise, including bonus or incentives". But it narrowly beat out the second most popular response, which was a "staff party or night out, and food provided at the office".
It's good to see the recession hasn't stopped employees from thinking practically.
Rounding out the top five were "praise, encouragement and recognition",
"reassurance about job security" and "flexible working, reducing pay by
reducing hours".
After that, it seems the mob was divided. Some asked for "more staff and training", obviously to help them cope with the growing workload. But conversely, others asked that employers "dismiss other staff", so perhaps it's a case of 'solidarity be damned, we're looking out for #1'?
According to Colette Hill, chief executive of CHA, employers need to find alternatives to financial rewards.
"Companies that have invested in doing this in good times may be better placed to weather the storm, but for any organisation simple, honest steps will help get staff behind your business goals. Small things can make a big difference," she said.
The top write-ins included:
- "Be honest and fair to all members of staff."
- "Buy a coffee machine, or some kind of new comfort for the staff room."
- "Buy cakes for us."
- "Communicate with their employees and keep them informed."
- "Thanking me for my work."
- "Keep smiling."
- "Buy a cheap lunch or snack for everyone one day."
- "Establish better communication lines."
- "A hot chocolate."
- "Let everyone know how much their work is appreciated."
- "Chocolate biscuits with a smile."
- "Say well done to us for our hard work and buy us chocolates."
It is unsure how close to lunchtime the surveys were taken.
After that, it seems the mob was divided. Some asked for "more staff and training", obviously to help them cope with the growing workload. But conversely, others asked that employers "dismiss other staff", so perhaps it's a case of 'solidarity be damned, we're looking out for #1'?
According to Colette Hill, chief executive of CHA, employers need to find alternatives to financial rewards.
"Companies that have invested in doing this in good times may be better placed to weather the storm, but for any organisation simple, honest steps will help get staff behind your business goals. Small things can make a big difference," she said.
The top write-ins included:
- "Be honest and fair to all members of staff."
- "Buy a coffee machine, or some kind of new comfort for the staff room."
- "Buy cakes for us."
- "Communicate with their employees and keep them informed."
- "Thanking me for my work."
- "Keep smiling."
- "Buy a cheap lunch or snack for everyone one day."
- "Establish better communication lines."
- "A hot chocolate."
- "Let everyone know how much their work is appreciated."
- "Chocolate biscuits with a smile."
- "Say well done to us for our hard work and buy us chocolates."
It is unsure how close to lunchtime the surveys were taken.
