A contented workforce ‘can boost productivity’

Employers who ensure their workforce is contented could find that productivity is unlikely to be severely affected, one sector commentator has claimed.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK, said it is still a challenging time for businesses in the UK, with Britain also having the longest working hours or any of its European counterparts, along with the fewest public holidays.

However, this may be required in order to work off the national deficit, he added, explaining that technology could be at the centre of changing working practices.

“In my view, broadband and mobile has made many of us much more transient and mobile. For many people they can continue working remotely,” he advised.

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In terms of workplace productivity, Mr Flaxton claimed that people’s commitment to an organisation was a valuable resource.

His comments come after the government pledged to fight to keep the opt-out option for UK businesses, against the EU’s plans to limit weekly working hours.

According to the British Retail Consortium, keeping the freedom to choose working hours is good news for UK workers and businesses.

Posted by Ross George