Midlands bosses are being advised not to put off addressing workplace morale issues and to future-proof their business against unplanned people losses, which could leave them under resourced as business conditions improve, according to experts at PwC.

Over the past two years, many businesses and public sector organisations in the Midlands have reduced their workforce and this has had an impact on workplace morale. Many employees in the region have experienced a change in their job role or been working longer hours to support the business through the economic downturn. Many have also had to endure a freeze on salary increases.

Rupert Hutton, human resources expert at PwC in the Midlands, said:

"Bosses in the Midlands have been doing a good job just by keeping the business afloat, but they now need to focus on the effect that recent cost-cutting strategies have had on workplace morale.

"For those who want to take positive action, employers should conduct a staff attitude survey to find out how employees at all levels are feeling. Employers then need to consider the output from this and decide how and in what areas they can take action to improve the position. There is a great deal that bosses can do to reward staff without necessarily increasing pay or introducing benefits that could incur an increased tax liability for the employee."

Little things, from saying 'thank you', to on the spot awards of vouchers to encourage the right behaviours can have a significant effect that outweighs the cost or effort of introducing them. These ideas can extend to 'employee of the month' awards, flexible working arrangements, or perhaps introducing staff suggestion surveys to give employees an opportunity to share their ideas about how the business can be run more efficiently.

Rupert Hutton, human resources expert at PwC in the Midlands, said:

"Employers are understandably reluctant to increase financial rewards or pay bonuses at a time of continuing economic uncertainty, however, there is still plenty they can do to reward workers and boost morale in the meantime. The costs of recruiting lost talent will outweigh the costs of ensuring those employees who are important to the business do not leave in the first place.

"Getting this right could give the business a competitive edge when it comes to attracting talent too and positive feedback from workplace surveys can be particularly attractive to potential recruits."