The impact of good employment on productivity and profitability in Greater Manchester

This report examines the financial impacts of adopting good employment practices among Greater Manchester businesses affiliated with the Good Employment Charter.

Analysis of Companies House data (2019–2023) shows most charter members experienced real-terms growth in turnover per employee, indicating improved productivity despite pandemic-related challenges.

Interviews with businesses also revealed clear benefits: reduced staff turnover and absenteeism, enhanced morale, and lower recruitment costs. Practices such as living wage adoption, flexible working, employee voice initiatives, and wellbeing programmes contributed to these gains. Membership also improved competitiveness in public procurement.

Overall, the report tells us that good employment fosters resilience, engagement, and operational efficiency, creating a virtuous cycle of wellbeing and sustainable business success.