Researchers at the University of Leicester in the UK reviewed the data collected for a 2004 government study involving more than 22,400 employees in 2,295 businesses, and found that workers who are made to feel important are also less stressed and more satisfied with their positions than employees who are left in the dark.
Beneficial job design perks included variety, autonomy and an informative management team who communicated changes or news in the workplace.
“Our study implies that priority should be given to initiatives that enrich jobs, enhance consultation and improve information sharing and consultation,” said lead researcher Stephen Wood.
Additionally, a technique called “consultative management,” wherein managers meet with employees to get diverse views on company issues, was shown to be effective in reducing workplace stress.
Pay raises based on performance appeared to have no effect on anxiety or job satisfaction, the study authors noted.
