Workforce engagement
Organisations across the private and public sectors at some time all face
the need for change, improving the way services are delivered and products
developed.
A key factor in any successful change programme is a commitment to engaging
and involving the workforce. A workforce that is convinced of the need for
change and involved in the full process is much more likely to be committed
to implementing any changes decided, and committed to the organisation as a
whole.
If managers, employees and trade unions work together, organisations can
innovate by tapping into staff knowledge and experience. This will support
long-term solutions for present and future service user needs. Joint
problem solving between staff and managers helps organisations learn and
helps build a wider understanding of how service improvements can be
implemented.
Trade union engagement can give employees the assurance that changes are
for the benefit of the service and the workforce. Unions also give
employees a voice that can contribute to bringing about the cultural
changes essential to service improvement.
Cabinet Office has worked with the Public Services Forum, first to audit
the extent and impact of current trade union and employee engagement in
service changes, and then to develop a practical approach and toolkit to
help public sector organisations to make the most of employee engagement.
