More than half (52%) of NHS employees feel that communication about employee benefits from their bossis is poor or very poor, compared to 44% in 2013, according to research by The Voucher Shop.
Its study of 3,204 NHS employees also found that just 2% believe the benefits communication they receive is excellent.
Respondents were based in over 250 NHS Trusts and included employees at all levels within the NHS from cleaning and administrative staff to midwives, nurses and doctors.
In addition, the survey found that nearly three-quarters (70%) of NHS staff feel unappreciated or are not given enough praise for their work. This figure is unchanged from 2013.
The research also found:
- Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents said that long-service milestones were not celebrated.
- 26% said that service milestones were too infrequent.
- 15% did not know if long service was celebrated in their trust.
Kuljit Kaur, head of business development at The Voucher Shop, said: “In an age where austerity still governs, inexpensive recognition schemes and cost neutral benefits can be a quick and alternative way of motivating staff in the absence of pay rises.
“In fact, they could be the catalyst to create a significant shift in staff motivation and engagement within the workplace.
”HR professionals are aware that talent management and staff engagement are critical elements in delivering organisational efficiently.
Even with wage freezes, managers can still do more to promote excellent work. Staff recognition need not be a costly exercise. In fact, non-cash rewards such as gifts or vouchers can result in 25% higher work performance than cash incentives. Even simple gestures such as a thank you, can increase a person’s willingness to help again by 100%.”
