The Workplace Employment Relations Study (WERS), which was last run in 2004, explores the current state of the workplace relations and covers a wide range of issues such as the relationship between employer and employee, work life balance, equality and diversity, training, pay and working hours.
The extensive study of more than 21,000 UK employees, revealed that job satisfaction levels increased in 2012 as 20% of employees were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with all aspects of their job, compared to 16% in 2004. It also showed that since 2004 employees' level of commitment to the organisation in which they work increased.
Managers are also communicating more with employees, the study found. They are now more likely to hold team briefings to keep staff informed with more information on workplace finances.
Jo Swinson employment relations minister said:?"We are going through one of the most challenging periods in our economic history and businesses and employees have had to adapt rapidly in order to deal with the many pressures that it brings.
"This important study gives us a valuable insight into what is going on inside the workplace. I am very pleased to see that job satisfaction levels have increased and that more employees report that they share the values of the organisation.
"Engagement of employees is key to building stronger workforces which will in turn drive economic growth."
Swinson added: "The results of the study show us in a new light just how workers and businesses are affected, how they are changing and what the workplace of the future might look like. We will be using these findings to help develop future Government thinking and practice, and to stimulate future debate."
