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The overwhelming majority of UK employees like the kind of work they do, but about one third are not engaged by their jobs and feel indifferent to their organisations' success, research has revealed.
A survey of more than 15,000 UK workers, by consultancy firm ISR, shows that 85% enjoy the work they do, for varying reasons.
Nearly all (90%) employees say they get on well with their colleagues. Most (75%) think their job makes good use of their skills and abilities, and 72% think they do something really worthwhile.
But despite enjoying their jobs, one third of UK workers are not engaged at work, ISR research shows. In ISR’s Employee Engagement Index, the UK is ranked seventh out of the world’s 10 largest economies.
Companies with low levels of engagement saw net profit fall by 1.38% and operating margin fall by 2.01% over a 36-month period, according to ISR.
In firms with above average levels of engagement profits rose by 2.06% and operating margin rose by 3.74% over the same period.
Nick Tatchell, project director at ISR said: “It is encouraging that Britons enjoy their jobs but disappointing that such a high percentage of employees are indifferent to their organisations' success.
“The worrying thing for UK companies is that this indifference can lead to a reduction in profits," he added.
"Leaders and managers can make a difference by ensuring that all employees understand the contribution they make to the success of an organisation.”
According to the survey report, the key factors that influence employee engagement in the UK:
- Clear long term career opportunities
- Confidence in the quality of the products and services a company offers
- The levels of respect people are shown in their workplace.
