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Bosses have been encouraged to manage change with caution, following new research that has revealed more than half of UK employees expect an increase in workload.

Statistics carried out by YouGov for Investors In People UK, also revealed that 69 per cent of UK employees anticipate they will experience some changes in the workplace in the coming year, including increased workload, a new manager, redundancies or relocation.

Simon Jones, chief executive at Investors In People UK, believes that managers need to address changes in the working environment, for the benefit of staff and its firm.

He said: “To ensure productivity and motivation levels do not suffer in the current climate, it is important that employers actively manage change in the right way. With more than two–thirds of the workforce expecting to experience a change in the workplace in the next 12 months, bosses must pay heed to employees’ views on how they’d like to be kept informed in times of change.

“Research suggests employers can make all the difference by delivering news of important changes to their staff through a one-to-one meeting, by seeking views and listening to feedback, and by offering support, whatever the changes being implemented. This is vital information for managers who are making tough business decisions and need to ensure they take their people with them to deliver the best results for their employees and the organisation.”

Reflecting the tougher business conditions predicted, statistics found that many employees are concerned about their employer’s ability to manage them through the current climate.

Although 43 per cent of staff with a line manager felt confident that their organisation would make the right decision for the future success of the organisation, almost half felt that their organisation would not listen to their views.

Statistics also indicated that employees wanted to be managed in a personal way, with 68 per cent wanting to hear news of change that affects them via a one-to-one meeting with their boss. In addition, under two thirds wanted their manager to seek their views and listen, yet only 38 per cent believed this would happen.