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The UK’s professional body for internal communicators, The British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB), welcomes the findings of the Government-commissioned MacLeod Review, which highlights the importance of effective employee engagement to successful business performance. The recently-published report suggests that overall engagement levels within the UK need improvement, while also citing a raft of evidence that shows how high levels of employee engagement are inextricably linked to the successful achievement of commercial and other organisational objectives.Factors cited as impeding organisations’ communications performance range from leaders not really understanding what employee engagement is or recognising its importance, to not knowing where to go for assistance and line managers with poor people skills. CIB chairman Dominic Walters comments: ‘’We are delighted this report reinforces many things that we have been saying for some time. We know that employee engagement is not a ‘soft and fluffy’ subject but that it is just as important to the bottom line as product development, marketing or effective financial strategy. “Organisations that are weak on employee engagement are in a worse position than ever, not least because the constant change being experienced in many work environments means that commitment by employer and employee to shared values is essential to maintaining consistency of purpose, productivity and motivation levels. “Business leaders cannot all be experts in internal communication. However, they need to recognise its significance and be able to access appropriate levels of support and guidance. While poor internal communication is common, we are delighted that the report contains some of the many examples of high-quality, creative work that is going on every day that can provide ideas and inspiration. “For our part, CiB is ensuring that its work on professional development and best practice is equipping internal communication practitioners with the right communications and general business skills to liaise effectively with leaders and develop solutions that genuinely support organisational objectives. We believe that internal communicators should work more closely with the Board, but this also means they must be ‘able for the top table’. “The MacLeod Review is very much in tune with the steadily growing profile of internal communication in recent years. We support its aims and look forward to further developments on the proposed national awareness campaign and additional support for businesses over the forthcoming months.” ENDS Press enquiries to: Catherine Park, CiB Tel: 01908 313755 / 07957 999725 Notes to editors: 1) This report arose from a request by the Secretary of State for an in-depth look at employee engagement and its potential benefits for companies, organisations and individual employees. Key issues included whether a wider take up of engagement approaches could impact positively on UK competitiveness and performance, as part of the country’s efforts to come through the current economic difficulties, as well as enabling it to take maximum advantage of the upturn when it comes and meet the challenges of increased global competition. Further information about the report is available on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ website. The report can also be downloaded at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52215.pdf 2) The British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) is Britain’s leading association for professionals in internal communication. We have over 1,100 members, a powerful network of practitioners leading change and inspiring success for the UK’s best organisations, public and private, large and small. CiB was formed in 1949 as the British Association of Industrial Editors and changed its name to the British Association of Communicators in Business in 1995 to reflect the wide range of disciplines demanded of its members. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and CiB provides a place to share common concerns and best practice. The association has five key objectives: ● Convincing organisations of the importance of effective internal communications. ● Maintaining standards of communications practice and delivery. ● Enhancing the professional standing of our members. ● Promoting the regular exchange of ideas and experiences within a network of internal communicators. ● Developing the management and technical skills of our members. CiB provides seminars and workshops regionally, stages a national conference, runs the largest competition for internal communication in Europe, offers training and professional development possibilities, supports a large knowledge bank, has an active freelance section and offers a tax and legal helpline. |
