''Employee loyalty up in 1/4 of staff despite recession''

A surprising survey has shown that more than a quarter of employees say that the recession has made them more loyal to their employer, rather than it declining in uncertain times as may be expected.

Conducted from early October 2009 to the end of January 2010 the results from workforce solutions firm Kelly Services show that companies with positive management, strong morale and active communications have upped employee engagement.

North America - one of the countries hit hardest by the downturn - has the most engaged employees with 52 per cent claiming they are ''totally committed'' to their job, compared to 47 per cent in Asia Pacific and 36 per cent in Euope.

George Corona, Kelly Services executive vice president and chief operating officer, said: "Many organisations have been through an extremely difficult period but some have managed the challenges in a positive way and have emerged with a new level of trust among the workforce.

"Attracting employees and keeping them productively engaged is constantly among the most challenging tasks for employers. The survey shows the complex array of issues that impact and motivate employees of different ages." Back