Frequent communication between bosses and employees is the key to raising spirits in the current economic crisis, a survey by a staffing service company shows.

Nearly half of the employers questioned said better communication is the best way to boost low morale in the workplace, according to Accountemps.

The research also showed those questioned considered the top management mistake to be a lack of open and honest communication with staff members.

Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, said updates are important in times when people are worried about job security and company performance.

"Regular communication with employees is always integral to an organisation’s success, but it becomes especially critical during periods of uncertainty," he added.

The survey by Accountemps was based on interviews with 150 senior executives.

A quarter of UK employers plan to make staff redundant over the next year, a study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development shows.