Workers 'may respond negatively to change'

Change in the workplace can be disturbing to many workers, according to new research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Some 89 per cent of managers have experienced some form of organisational change in the past few months, the figures reveal.

Additionally, 60 per cent say that illness rates have risen during the past year, while 58 per cent have been unproductive at least one day each week.

Less than one in five said they believe the changes have increased productivity and profitability.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: "The health of UK workplaces needs greater attention. With such high levels of illness being experienced, organisations and individuals must act to maintain their competitive edge.

"Failure to do so will lead to disruption because health clearly has an impact on performance, productivity and ultimately, the bottom line."

Tony Sinclair, a staff partner at French Duncan chartered accountants, recently suggested that those working in junior accountancy jobs should be given a larger variety of tasks.