COMPANIES should study the motivational techniques of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a Worcestershire lawyer has warned.

Ashley Gurr, employment partner at Kerwoods Solicitors in Redditch, said there were too many poor managers, prone to destroy workers’ confidence and costing companies millions. He added that often firms allow such situations to fester, unwilling to risk a potentially confrontational situation, with the result that workforce productivity and morale are hard hit.

Mr Gurr was commenting on claims by Dame Carol Black, the Department of Health's expert adviser on improving the welfare of working people, who recently maintained that “so many of those on long-term sickness absence tell us they are never going back because of their managers”. This is believed to cost the British economy £13.4b a year.

Mr Gurr added: “Dame Carol’s criticisms highlight an area too many people in positions of authority would prefer hidden from view. Workers won’t buy into a company ethos if they feel it lacks sincerity. The fine words of vision statements are meaningless if the reality on the ground is one of poor management and lack of leadership. Man-management is so important. Good man-management will inspire people to be part of the team, believe in the success of the business, work that much harder and seek to get on. It produces better results through improved productivity. Poor man-management will do exactly the reverse, seeing sickness absence soar and costing the company money. Sadly, Ricky Gervais’ The Office was closer to fact than fiction. And if people get pushed too far they will crack.”

Dame Carol maintained the new big problem in the workplace was stress brought on by bad bosses and claimed doctors were being forced to treat the result of poor management with medication and sick notes.

Mr Gurr added: "Uncaring and self-serving management is still too widespread – that is the reality. Employees are no different from professional footballers. Some will require stern words from time to time in order to perform. Others will need a comforting arm around them, and some kind words of encouragement. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was famous for his ‘hairdryer treatment’ of players. But he also inspired loyalty, stood up for his team and showed great generosity of spirit. And, most importantly, he got results. Bosses could learn a lot from studying Ferguson’s techniques.”