The Significance of employee voice mechanisms in the workplace: employee participation in the new global economy

Data from a representative sample of workplaces in the Yorkshire and Humberside region of the UK indicates that the concept and practice of employee voice continues to have a growing relevance in the context of people management. The paper identifies and critically compares and contrasts the main techniques of employee voice, both directly with staff and indirectly via their representatives, utilised in the sample organisations in order to gauge their degree of influence on the decision-making process. From an international perspective, it is argued that the European Union continues to have a significant impact on employees’ input in that process. Furthermore, contrary to the view of some commentators, the research findings suggest that the unions’ role in articulating the views and aspirations of workers remains a significant element of employee voice in the workplace.