Almost half (46%) of the UK workforce that have encountered downsizing or restructuring at work feel that their employer did not support them during this period of change, according to research from Capita HR Solutions

Meanwhile, 40% report that their employer did not make it clear how the changes would affect them, while 63% claim that in the past when their organisation has made changes, they were first made aware of them by rumour, rather than being told formally by their employer.

Alan Bailey, managing director for Capita HR Solutions, commented: “Due to the recession, many organisations have had to make the tough decision to restructure and make redundancies. This survey demonstrates that these major organisational changes are not being well managed or communicated to the workforce.

“According to the survey, 50% of employees whose organisations have been through downsizing or restructuring, feel uncertain about their future at work. One in four respondents feel less committed to their organisation.

“If employees feel uncertain and uncommitted, then productivity is bound to be affected. Employers would benefit from involving staff or staff representatives earlier in the process, even if all the potential outcomes of the restructure are not yet known.”