Line managers have to improve their communication skills if they are to retain a motivated, engaged workforce during the recession - according to new research.

And the YouGov survey, commissioned by Threshold Communication, found less then half of British workers believe their company has a clear plan to withstand the recession.

The employee engagement firm says “it is vitally important for line managers to listen” and employees who believe that their line manager will answer questions honestly have greater confidence in their organisation’s future.

Threshold director James Brooke said: “The results of our research suggest that not only does good communication engender enthusiasm, it also helps employees to align themselves positively to their company’s future, even if the economic outlook is uncertain.”

He added that companies that did not invest in improving managers’ communication skills would suffer.

“In companies that fail to communicate their plans, employees are likely to have less enthusiasm and commitment to their jobs. Recession emphasises the difference between poor and good practices,” he said.

“You cannot survive without having an effective process for line managers to communicate key issues. It also begs the question: if your front line managers are not primarily there to communicate with staff, what are they there for?”

And clinical psychologist Dr Amy Silver, who has worked with organisations in turbulent situations, said: “Scientific peer reviewed research shows time and again how the quality of the relationship is crucial in determining productiveness.

“The core determinants of a good relationship are genuineness, empathy and rapport.

“These emerge from active listening by both parties, with slightly more emphasis on the more powerful party to do so. I say active listening because it is easy to listen, but not so easy to truly listen.”

She added that helping people to overcome adversity by thinking in terms of the story of their journeys helps them sustain optimism and focus during difficult times.

And Peter Nicholas, an acting coach who also helps managers become more effective communicators said: “The key is to create rapport by being sympathetic to the climate, acknowledging the reality and then bringing people with you to a more optimistic perspective.”

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