Two new HR research projects: Opportunities to get involved and get feedback on your organisation

IES is pleased to announce that we have started two new exciting original research programmes, with opportunities for you to get involved. We are collaborating with Brighton Business School on two studies relating to HR and organisations.

Getting the most out of human resource management: How can HRM practices lead to better employee performance and wellbeing?

The economic recession has resulted in many workers feeling less engaged and more stressed about their work. In response, HR professionals are developing or strengthening HRM practices, such as performance management. However, little is known about which practices are most effective at raising both performance and well-being of employees, nor about the underpinning psychological processes.

This study will examine how employee and line manager perceptions of HRM practices predict future levels of performance and wellbeing. It will also investigate the psychological processes, such as engagement, that underpin these relationships.

Organisations taking part in the study will receive a headline report after the main survey, and the full research report at the end. They will also receive an individualised feedback session that will help them to identify the HRM practices that contribute most towards performance, engagement and wellbeing.

Enhancing everyday working life through meaningfulness interventions in the workplace

Many organisations are developing interventions that aim to help employees to maintain their health and wellbeing during demanding times. Interventions designed to facilitate meaningfulness in the workplace have the potential to leverage the creativity and spirit of workers so that they be can be both productive and healthy.

This study will pilot a short, cost-effective personal development programme with a small group of employees (20 to 25) to ascertain the extent to which meaningfulness improves employee engagement, performance and wellbeing.

Organisations that take part in the programme will receive the full research report and will also benefit from an individualised feedback session which will help the organisation to understand how employees view their jobs and their workplace, and to identify those aspects of work that employees find meaningful.