CHICAGO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Using a field-based, randomized and controlled trial, a study of the University of Michigan (UM) found that giving low-wage workers a "voice" on the job, the ability to communicate concerns to management, could improve employee satisfaction and retention.
According to a release posted on UM website Monday, UM researchers conducted the study in partnership with Shahi Exports, the largest ready-made garment company in India, which reports high turnover among its 100,000 workers.
The employees have learned that their annual raises would be considerably lower than expected. The researchers randomly selected a group of these workers to take an anonymous survey on wages, job conditions and environment, and supervisor performance.
They found that giving these workers a voice through the survey reduced both turnover and absenteeism, compared to those who did not receive the survey. The effect was greatest for the most disappointed workers. Overall, giving workers the survey reduced their probability of quitting by about 20 percent.
"Setting up that line of communication might actually generate less attrition, and that's potentially of value to both workers and firms," said Ach Adhvaryu, assistant professor of business economics and public policy at UM Ross School of Business.
