Only a quarter of FTSE and public sector senior executives believe staff think that their ideas are valued, according to a recent survey.
Research by Corven management consultants found that a lack of enthusiasm from employees was proving a serious obstacle to change in organisations.
Only a third (36%) of the 50 FTSE and public sector senior executives polled thought employees cared if their business was a success or not.
The survey follows the implementation of the Information and Consultation Directive into UK law on 6 April 2005.
Under the directive, employers who ignore requests from at least 10% of their workforce to set up formal information and consultation processes will face fines of up to £75,000, and the imposition of a ‘straitjacket’ government information and consultation model.
If such a request is made, employers will be obliged to inform and consult on areas such as employees’ prospects for employment and any substantial changes to work organisation or contractual relations.
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The survey contradicts the view of the CBI. Director general Sir Digby Jones recently said the new rules will be irrelevant to most companies because they already have systems that employees are happy with arrangements for discussing developments with them.
“Few employers have to be told it’s good business practice to make sure staff know what’s going on and they don’t need legislation to make them do it,” he said.
