A
third of working days are lost every year because companies are failing to
manage staff effectively, according to new research.
A
study by the Human Resources Group shows that out of a total 260 working days
in the year – more than a third – are completely unproductive.
Staff
waste time through extended lunches, sending and receiving personal e-mails,
gossiping with colleagues, sick leave and time off to let the gas man in or see
the dentist. The three 10-minute cigarette breaks a day alone add up to 16 lost
working days a year.
Dr
Hugh Billot, personnel director of the Human Resource Group, said better
communications, management, training and monitoring could improve staff
performance.
He
said that a 10 per cent increase in staff utilisation saved an average of
£24,000 in employment costs per 25 employees, and added significantly more to
productivity.
