Almost two-thirds of UK employees say they are allowed to act independently, but less than half feel they contribute to their company’s overall mission, research has found.
An international survey of more than 9,000 workers by software provider NetReflector also revealed one in 10 UK respondents said they were unlikely to recommend their own company to a friend. The global average is about 8%.
“This survey shows some interesting results and has demonstrated that the link between autonomy and buying into the company’s mission is not strong,” said Professor Merlin Stone, satisfaction measurement expert from Bristol Business School.
“Most people would love to have more independence at work, but the results suggest that by giving people too much freedom, they lose focus on where the company as a whole is headed.”
Half of UK employees (52%) have confidence in their company’s leadership, but this figure lags behind China (69%) and the US (58%).
Employees also revealed how they felt their bosses could improve. For UK workers, the number-one demand is to make better use of the skills people already have, followed by encouraging personal development and improving resolution of staff conflicts.
Workers were surveyed online in 10 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Russia, Turkey, the UK and the US.
