17 March 2010
Businesses shown how to combat effects of recession
Work psychology experts from the University of Sheffield hosted an innovative business breakfast seminar this week (16 March 2010) showing participants how their organisations can positively respond to adverse effects on the content and structure of jobs.
The event, which is part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science is one of a series of free sessions designed to help businesses survive the economic downturn by providing them with industry-leading insight and HR best practices.
The event was hosted by ConsultIWP, the commercial arm of the Institute of Work Psychology at the University of Sheffield, and used the Institute´s participative job redesign tool `Scenarios Planning´. This showed CEOs and senior managers, HR specialists, union representatives and others how organisations can involve employees in crafting better quality jobs.
Dr David Holman from the Institute of Work Psychology showed how the tool worked in action by drawing on recent projects that, besides improving employee well-being, saw raised performance and reduced absenteeism in the face of downsizing and restructuring.
Designed as informal events at which people can talk and learn about new HR approaches, the free sessions see the Institute share its research findings with local businesses and show how its consultancy services can serve local needs.
Sessions feature speakers and associates from the University of Sheffield Management School and Institute of Work Psychology, who work at the cutting edge of organisational and work psychology. Upcoming sessions will cover topics including dealing with unacceptable behaviour in the workplace, creating successful and adaptable work teams, and engaging with the challenges and opportunities of corporate social responsibility.
Carol Tighe, Business Manager at the Institute of Work Psychology explained: "Many organisations are finding life tough at the moment, and we know that the measures that they may need to take to remain viable can adversely affect employees´ well-being. By contrast, the `Scenarios Planning´ tool encourages managers and employees to think about jobs in a structured way such that they are able to re-craft their jobs to improve employee well-being and performance.
"Crafting the new job might involve making changes to the level of job control, participation in decision-making, opportunities to learn and exercise skills, and feedback on their work. It might also include minimising or eliminating obstacles that inhibit the flow of work."
Notes for Editors: The ESRC Festival of Social Science, which runs from 12 to 21 March 2010, celebrates some of the country´s leading social science research and showcases the work of the UK´s social scientists and the impact it has on our lives. This year the Festival features over 130 events happening in seven regions and over 40 different cities in the UK. Events, which are open to all, take a variety of formats - from traditional lectures and exhibitions to theatrical performances, film screenings and topical debates.
ConsultIWP at the University of Sheffield is home to one of the largest groups of Occupational Psychology Researchers in Europe. With access to the most up-to-date research and tools, ConsultIWP is a world leader in understanding the way people drive organisational effectiveness – and how this impacts the bottom line. Since its inception in 2008, ConsultIWP has worked on over 100 commercial projects, testing each and every research theory and tool to ensure their commercial viability.
For more information on ConsultIWP sessions in 2010, visit the below link or contact Carol Tighe on 0114 222 3227.
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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