According to a survey - Voice of the Workforce in Europe - by Deloitte, more than 27 % of employees are not performing to their best and experts say that HR could play a strategic role in motivating staff – thus increasing business productivity.   The European average is 21% not attaining their finest.

The findings show that many employees lack enthusiasm - 32% of UK workers said that they are not stimulated by what they do. A further 36% said what they do is not meaningful, but in comparison24% European workers said they are not stimulated by what they do and only 18% believe what they do is not meaningful.

The report surveyed a total of more than 15,000 workers across 10 European countries, including 2,043 from the UK.

Workers in the UK said that they need to learn new skills to do their job effectively and when asked which key skills they needed to develop, 61% cited advanced IT; 57% technical knowledge; 35% said problem-solving skills and 31% said they would need teamwork skills.

It was also found that UK workers were feeling the impact of automation - 44% said that robots or software had taken over some of the tasks they did five years ago. This compared to a European average of 38%. In the UK, 34% said that entire business processes relevant to their job have been automated and this compared to 30% for European workers.

UK Human Capital Leader at Deloitte - Anne-Marie Malley - said:

“Businesses are facing an uphill struggle to address these factors, which is leading to dissatisfaction, disengagement and despondency among employees. Employers must offer more support to strengthen their workers' skills and communicate the value their roles are bringing to their company, the economy and ultimately society as a whole.”

She added:

“It’s striking that the vast majority of workers do not expect to see any significant changes in their jobs over the next decade. The reality is that the future of work is now, and automation is already affecting day-to-day roles. Awareness will provoke action, so it’s important for businesses to educate workers on how their roles will be augmented by technology over the next decade. This will provide transparency within organisations; allowing them to transition their workforces through training opportunities and bolstering the skills that will be required as a result of automation.”

Career transition ​and on boarding coach at Rebel Road Coaching, Jenn Fenwick, said that although HR departments already knew the importance of investing in skills-related training in order to boost motivation, they were being let down by the failure of organisations to invest in their employees. 

Jenn Fenwick stated:

“I think this is where HR could play a really strategic role in businesses. For them to get the budget, it’s important for HR to investigate what’s impacting staff productivity, put monetary value on it and present that number to senior leaders as a worthwhile place to put funding.”

The research found that older workers were the most motivated with 87% of those over 55 years of age saying that they went the extra mile to deliver good work. Fewer than 18 per cent reported lack of stimulation in what they do.

Managing Director of McManus HRD - Laurell Hector - commented that it was important for businesses to invest in skills development for older generations in addition to younger workers and that senior business leaders need to understand that older workers want to add value.  

She added:

“Businesses also need to look to develop all people in the business to drive performance, not just “spotting talent in younger workers.”