Dear Visitor,

Do you know what your staff really think?

We've covered the challenge of motivating staff a few times recently and hopefully you have implemented some of our suggestions in your business.

However, one of the most difficult times of the year to get your people really engaged is January. Coupled with the after Christmas blues, this year we have the doom and gloom from the media about the state of the country's economy to contend with.

Regrettably we can't change the way the media report, but one great way to re-energise your staff is to show you really care about their thoughts and opinions. So, with this in mind, we are looking at staff surveys this month.

Until next time, look after your people.

Best wishes
Laura and all the team at HR Solutions

 Do you know what your staff really think?

In our experience sometimes the first time a manager knows how a member of staff feels about work is when they hand in their notice. At this point it is often too late to tempt a valued employee to stay, even with promises that things will be different.

But what if you did know how all your staff felt about their working evironment, conditions and job fulfillment?

All of that is possible and more, through employee surveys. Carefully constructed questions not only enable you to build a picture of how your people are thinking, and allow you to pick up on common themes, they can also bring great suggestions for the business.

Don't panic though - conducting a survey doesn't mean you will then have to implement lots of expensive ideas or make costly changes to your working environment. It's all in the communication.

After all, these surveys are all about communication. Giving your staff a voice and allowing them to air issues that are concerning them will allow you to reflect on the business. Often management are unaware of the little things that are troubling staff; things that could be put right at little or no cost.

Even more exciting is giving your people the opportunity to put forward suggestions for improvements. Surveys we have helped our clients conduct have created some fantastic ideas that have really improved business efficiency and often impacted positively on the bottom line.

At the end of the survey, results need to be analysed and anything that can be changed or adopted immediately should be flagged. Other more costly changes or ideas need to be explored to determine whether or not they are realistic for the future. Once you have done this you can then report back to all staff - showing them the results and telling them what you are going to do with the information you have gathered. And that is the vital bit - letting them know you value their opinions and what action you are taking.

Not only can this have a real impact on your business, but also on your staff. Showing them you value their opinion and you are taking notice of their ideas is a great motivator, which is key to maintaining your key staff.

Of course, conducing the survey effectively with an effective communication plan isn't an easy job, but that's where we come in. So give us a call on 01256 328428 if you would like help in running a staff survey in your business.