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Good staff morale and motivation are critical for the government to achieve its ambitious plans for modernising the NHS, but evidence suggests that morale among NHS staff is low.
This research summary draws on a literature review and focus groups with NHS staff.
Counting the Smiles identifies three key factors affecting morale and motivation: resources and pay, the working environment, and whether people feel valued.
It offers evidence that healthy morale and motivation have positive impacts on patient care and outcomes, and makes recommendations for achieving them.