Human resource directors have been reminded to take into account the difficulties employees in their firm are facing.

The current economic climate can be affecting worker engagement, so it is a good idea for senior management to understand the kinds of challenges this causes.

Dave Bradley is the newly appointed HR director for QinetiQ – a FTSE 250 company that provides defence and security services.

In an interview with HR Magazine, he advised senior staff not to overlook the problems that might be causing employees to be less interested in their work.

He told the publication: “During recession, it is not just about where you work it is about family, what is going on outside the workplace and what’s happening in the world.

“All these factors influence how engaged people are.”

Firms can implement a series of staff rewards to motivate their workers and raise morale, which should help retain talent.

Still, it is crucial that HR managers address the issues of their employees, even if it is only to discover what might be bothering them.

Mr Bradley continued: “You have got to get out there to understand people, what it is like for them, and ask, ‘what are issues people are facing?’ You have got to roll your sleeves up.”

He added that people were generally open to giving feedback, which is critical for implementing and developing the “people agenda”.

According to Mr Bradley, the way in which HR can make a difference to a business is how it can make situations more efficient – through key processes such as appraisals, which help to draw workers’ attention to their strengths and struggles.

Still, staff morale may be waning at many of the UK’s businesses as new figures show pay increases remain relatively flat.

The study by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters showed average salaries rose just 1.5 per cent year-on-year, Employee Benefits reported.