Council staff morale 'hits rock bottom'

Date: 19/05/2009

Council workers are without motivation and are struggling to maintain morale levels in their job, according to recent comments by a major union.

According to Heather Wakefield, Unison's head of local government, the sector's management does not seem to understand just how sad many employees are with their job, particularly given that many are now "stretched to breaking point".

The news highlights the need for reward and recognition in the council environment, she added.

Making his comments to HR Magazine, human resources director at Sutton and Merton Councils Dean Shoesmith argued the case, adding: "We just carried out research into satisfaction in the two councils I work for and found staff satisfaction to be increasing.

"We do listen to staff concerns and take action where we can. But there is more to satisfaction than pay in isolation."

Signs of low motivation are easy to see in the office, according to Eve Ash of Smart Company, who said this week that many may seem bored while others may be tired or burned out, which she said was best remedied by using team building events to bring people together.

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