Placing a greater emphasis on employment relationships is something likely to benefit small business insurance customers in the long run.

Kevin Friery, clinical director at Right Management Workplace Wellness - a career management workforce solutions and employee assistance expert within Manpower Group - explained economic uncertainty has resulted in people viewing their life expectations differently.

As a result, these feelings are filtering through to the workplace and individuals have different views about their jobs.

Mr Friery stated: "In meeting the economic challenge of delivering more with fewer resources, employers can only succeed if they have understood the needs, abilities and motivation of their staff."

He added a psychological contract to support this therefore needs to be drawn up - and such a direction can help bolster productivity among staff members and ensure companies are better able to retain the best talent.

The comments come after new research from AAT revealed employees are no longer committing themselves to organisations for long periods.