Family-run independents generate the most engaged workers

Employees prefer a traditional family style business culture, according to Employee Outlook survey

Family-run independents generate the most engaged workers
More than half of those surveyed said they wanted to work in a family-run organisation such as an independent garage.

A recently published report indicates that small independent garages provide one of the most favoured working environment for employees.

Produced by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in partnership with Halogen Software, the report researches employment trends and, for the first time, included questions on culture in the workplace.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted to work in an organisation “with a family feel held together by loyalty and tradition.”

The survey suggests that employees aged 18-24 prefer an informal work life and are more likely to be looking for another job than their older counterparts.

Areas for improvement

The report urged employers to respond to the demand for a more paternalistic structure and an improved work life balance.

CarVue’s Alex Knight said: “As an employer of a small team of people, it is likely your so-called old fashioned approach to running a business is exactly the type of company in which the vast majority of us would like to work in the 21st century.

“If you are managing to combine a family business with some very modern processes, for example, effective yet easy to use software which makes your operation as smooth running as possible or advanced workshop equipment and diagnostic tools, your combination of old and new ticks several boxes for today’s employees.”

The report also identifies areas where all employers can improve with the weakest areas for managers being their lack of consultation with employees.

Knight adds: “It may be your business, but involving your employees on strategy or business decisions will boost engagement, accountability and ownership which can only be a good thing for your business performance.”

Less than two thirds are satisfied with their relationship with their manager, a slight decline over last year’s figure.

Job satisfaction

Referred to as micro businesses in the survey, employing two to nine people, these workers report the highest levels of engagement with 64 per cent claiming they felt engaged in the business in spring 2015 compared to 61 per cent for the same time last year.

Those employed in micro businesses also report the highest levels of job satisfaction.

Women are more satisfied than men and older workers, aged over 55, are more satisfied than younger workers.

Knight said: “The least satisfied employees are those aged 18-24, so if you do employ youngsters, especially apprentices, it could be worth giving them some additional attention, asking their opinions more often, ensuring they have a full understanding of the business and its goals or even giving them some extra training to increase their levels of engagement and satisfaction.”

“Overall garage owners who typically follow the model of a small, family run business are likely to have some of the most engaged people in Britain’s workforce.

“However, there’s always room for improvement and if you take on board some of the CIPD’s findings, your garage could well incorporate all the ingredients for a perfect workplace.”

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