The Investors in People Standard, which provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in human resource, development has been revamped.
The new-look scheme places greater emphasis on employee involvement and maximising potential. The role of managers in employee development and the benefits of involving staff in decision making have also been addressed in the revised version, say Investors in People.
The model was launched this week (Investors in People Week) by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke.
Clarke commented, "Over 37,000 organisations across the UK have already achieved the Investors in People Standard and continue to reap the benefits of the development of their people. The revised Standard shows that Investors in People will continue to provide crucial advice and recognition for employers across the country, whatever their size or sector."
Latest research, released to coincide with the launch of the revised Standard focuses on the productivity challenge.
A total of 700 senior managers were quizzed.
Seventy-five per cent said they believe that the effective development of employees will be vital to secure the future productivity of their organisations.
Only one in three, however, put people development at the top of their business agenda presenting a further challenge to the scheme organisers.
Ruth Spellman Chief Executive of Investors in People said: "We know from recent research that the Standard already helps recognised employers make changes twice as profitably as other organisations – the updated version will further strengthen the Standard’s role as a business improvement tool."
A benchmark study conducted on behalf of Investors in People shows the impact of the Standard on profit margins. Recognised Investors in People showed that in the three years prior to the study profits had increased by 7% of sales, or £505 per employee per year. While in non-recognised businesses, profits increased to 4% of sales or £197 per employee per year.
The new Standard was revised in line with consultations with employers, business advisers and representative bodies.
