WORKING HARD?

Over 90% of British workers regularly put more effort into their job than is expected of them, and over two thirds regularly do unpaid overtime¹. Leading employment specialist Manpower now reveals exactly why these workers go above and beyond the call of duty.

Surprisingly, we’re not all in it for the money. Only 10% of the 1113 people surveyed by Manpower selected financial reward as the reason they put in extra effort at work.

What gets the majority of us Brits going is the prospect of promotion. Over half (54%) of respondents highlighted career progression as the underlying motive behind working extra hard.

But it seems there are still people out there who are not so self-seeking. Over a third of employees (32%) cite their colleagues as the reason they put in additional effort in the workplace: many work hard in order to gain the respect of colleagues, while others feel a responsibility to not let their colleagues down.

The survey was carried out as part of Manpower’s search for Britain’s Most Valued Employee. Comments, Charles Ashworth, Director at Manpower UK: “In our quest to find the nation’s most valued employee, we wanted to understand exactly what motivates the general public to work above the required level.”

“Whilst it’s great to see that people are focused on their long term career goals, what is really interesting is that over a third of people put in extra effort for the benefit of their colleagues and team mates. It is this type of employee – the employee who always goes the extra mile to make everyone’s lives easier; who consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty and who is most valued by colleagues, that Manpower wants to celebrate as the nation’s Unsung Hero.”

Manpower’s Unsung Heroes competition – the search for Britain’s Most Valued Employee is open to all companies and organisations whatever the size, and for all employees, both full time or part time, permanent or temporary. To enter, a line manager or employer must nominate their chosen employee(s) and provide examples of how each individual employee has made a difference to the business. The winner will win a fabulous all-inclusive seven-night holiday for two to Mexico, where they will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Entry forms are available from your local Manpower office, or can be accessed online at www.manpower.co.uk/unsungheroes. Entries must be submitted by FRIDAY 29th October 2004.

- Ends -


Notes to editors:

¹Manpower surveyed 1,113 people. The results of the survey are as follows:

Do you put in extra effort at work above and beyond what is normally expected of you?	Yes No	93%  7%
Do you regularly do unpaid overtime?	Yes No	63% 37%
What would make you put in extra effort at work? Is it:
To progress your career		51%
Because you feel responsible to your colleagues and don’t want to let them down		20%
To gain the respect of your colleagues		12%
To gain a financial reward		10%
To gain recognition from your boss – eg a pat on the back in front of your colleagues		3%
Because you feel pressured that you should do so		3%
To gain a recognition award such as a dinner or weekend away		1%

Unsung Heroes - The search for Britain’s most valued employee
Full terms and conditions can be found on www.manpower.co.uk/unsungheroes

About Manpower

Manpower is the UK’s leading workforce management company, specialising in permanent and temporary recruitment, HR services, managed services, outsourcing and HR consultancy.

Manpower has been established in the UK since 1956 and today works with organisations in both the public and private sector. Manpower’s UK-wide network of 300 offices allows the company to meet the needs of local and national customers. This includes numerous small and medium sized enterprises, as well as larger organisations such as BMW, BT, Heinz, Hertfordshire County Council, IBM, National Blood Service, New Deal South Wales, Royal Mail and Xerox.

The focus of Manpower’s work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction, enabling customers to concentrate on their core business.

Manpower has a highly skilled workforce of 100,000 temporary employees who stay loyal to the company (and its customers) thanks to best in class employment benefits. These include a contract of employment and a free e-learning tool offering staff over 1,000 courses in a diverse range of subjects, keeping Manpower’s workforce up to date with today’s ever-changing working environment.


See www.manpower.co.uk


For further information, please contact the Manpower Press Office on 020 8870 2214. Or you can e-mail us by selecting Press Office from the Contact Us page.