A Government advisor has warned local firms not to leave their workers in the dark if they want to succeed in 2010.

New findings by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills revealed that fewer than one-in-four employees in Yorkshire said their bosses had clearly communicated business objectives for next year, while nearly a third said they had no idea if there was a clear vision for their business.

And a West Yorkshire staff communications expert says keeping workers engaged was good for firms’ bottom line.

Andy Holt, creative director of Otley-based editorial agency Words&Pictures, said firms should resist regarding investment in staff communications something that could easily be dropped.

He said: “Now more than ever it is vital for firms to keep their staff informed and keep communicating. It’s necessary to ensure they are motivated and geared up to help their companies out of recession.

“Equally importantly, bosses need to ensure their staff are geared for change, even if that includes some negative developments and bad news.”

The YouGov survey for BIS also showed that fewer than 24 per cent of staff expected to be positive about the year ahead after the festive break.

David MacLeod, adviser to BIS and co-author of a recent report on engaging staff, said the research should be a wake-up call for local businesses.

He said many local employers should focus more time and effort on explaining business goals for 2010 so employees in all areas were informed, enthused and prepared to play the part expected of them.

Mr MacLeod said: “This is just one example of how poor employee engagement can put the brakes on improved business performance.

“If leaders in Yorkshire don’t explain where the business is going and what it’s seeking to achieve, how can people be motivated or know what they’re meant to contribute?

“Clear goals are a key ingredient for achieving performance and productivity, but worryingly this research suggests many employers haven’t yet grasped this for 2010.

“Every leader, every business, must get their message across and inspire employee energy and enthusiasm for the year ahead.”

Investing ten per cent more in workplace engagement practices would increase profits by up to £1,500 per employee a year. The cost of disengaged employees to the economy was between £59.4 billion and £64.7 billion in 2008.

Mr MacLeod added: “Leaders can leave their people unclear, confused and lacking confidence – or they can make sure everyone understands the business goals, knows what is expected of them and is committed and confident in their role. It’s a simple choice with an obvious answer.”

AWARD WINNERS: Words&Pictures, which produces a range of staff magazines, newspapers and digital communications, has bagged a string of national communications industry awards.

Three staff were recognised and the firm itself picked up the agency of the year award from the British Association of Communicators in Business.

Designer Jenny Hoyle and photographer Alan Barton received accolades.

Jenny was voted best designer for work on T-Mobile’s internal magazine and the Dress for Success campaign for clothing firm George. Alan was crowned best photographer for outstanding camerawork on Yorkshire Water’s staff publication, Connections.

And one of the company’s journalists, Alex Sewter, won an award of excellence for best writer. Words&Pictures was named best agency team.

The latest awards take the company’s winning tally to 75 over the past six years.

Andy Holt, creative director, said: “These awards celebrate the individuals but are also a genuine reflection of the hard work and dedication of a world-class team of designers, writers, photographers, digital specialists and project managers at Words&Pictures.”

The company, which employs 35 communications specialists, includes Honda, Boots, Asda, AIG and Procter&Gamble among its clients.