February 24, 2005

(Educators)TIME is fast running out for bosses who like to keep their staff in the dark over management decision-making.

New laws aimed at improving workplace communication will take effect in April.

The information and consultation regulations affect firms with more than 150 staff and mean that employees will have the right to be consulted on matters affecting their jobs, including plans for redundancies, expansion, new business plans or changes to staff contracts.

But a survey by management consultancy Getfeedback found that 67% of managers know little about the new regulations and 60% believe that decisions are not influenced by employee consultation anyway.

Getfeedback founder Ali Gill says: 'It is the consultation element that management is most afraid of.

They feel that it will slow decision-making.' Encouragingly, 58% of firms in the survey intended to go beyond simple compliance and adopt best practice in sharing business-sensitive information with employees.

Feedback suggests the philosophy works, with 80% of staff saying they enjoy their jobs and 77% feeling proud to be working there.

Lawyer Justin Bass started work at the head office in Maidenhead, Berkshire-a year ago. Justin, 30, from Liverpool, says: 'It is important to know where you fit in an organization. We are kept informed and we are listened to.'

Under the new regulations, companies can talk to staff direct or through trade unions and work councils.

The Getfeedback survey revealed that only 5% of businesses want to consult employees through representatives, while 80% prefer direct feedback.

Employee consultant Richard Hume-Rothery says: 'Staff must be seen as customers - valued, respected, and more importantly, kept in the loop. What this new legislation is about, and what we should all be working towards, is creating a culture of no surprises.'