A recent study by the UKG Workforce Institute has underscored the pivotal role that managers play in fostering productive and engaging workplaces. According to the global research, nearly three in four employees (73%) say their manager’s support and leadership directly motivates them to go above and beyond in their roles. However, the study also reveals a concerning level of burnout among managers, who report feeling the strain of their responsibilities more than any other group in the workforce.
The research highlights that effective management is crucial to creating a positive work environment. A significant 87% of employees believe their manager trusts them, while 79% feel their manager supports their career aspirations. Additionally, 75% of employees say their manager genuinely cares for them and shows empathy, with 63% feeling supported as whole individuals, not just as workers.
Communication emerges as another key factor in building a great workplace. The study found that 59% of employees view their manager as approachable and easy to talk to, with regular, motivational conversations being a common practice. These discussions take place daily for 19% of employees, while 35% report having these constructive chats on a weekly basis.
Despite the positive impact managers have on their teams, the role’s demands are taking a toll. A staggering 86% of managers’ report experiencing burnout, outpacing both employees (82%) and even C-suite leaders (73%). This overwhelming stress is leading nearly half (49%) of managers to consider taking a pay cut in exchange for a reduced workload.
Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG, emphasised the need for organisations to support their managers. “We’ve long believed that great managers are the key to creating great workplaces, and this study confirms that. However, like the safety instructions about oxygen masks on airplanes, managers need the full support of their organisations first, in order to fully support their employees.”
Encouragingly, almost half (46%) of senior leaders surveyed reported that their companies offer training on essential people skills and performance management to aid managers. Nonetheless, the study suggests that more needs to be done to ensure managers can continue to thrive in their roles.
The link between supportive management and employee engagement is clear. The study found that 93% of employees who feel trusted by their manager also describe themselves as “energised” at work. Similarly, 84% of those who feel their career goals are supported by their manager say they are “committed” to their job and regularly go above and beyond in their roles.
Despite the pressures, the majority of managers still take pride in their roles, with 79% expressing a desire to continue in management positions. The study reveals that the primary motivation for becoming a manager is a genuine desire to help others succeed, surpassing other incentives like higher pay or career progression.
Dr Jarik Conrad, Vice President of Human Insights at UKG Workforce Institute, pointed out the multifaceted nature of management roles. “People leaders wear many hats, from shift manager to career counsellor, and everything in between. Supporting our managers with the right tools and technology is crucial to making this demanding role more manageable.”
The study’s findings highlight the importance of supporting managers in their roles, not only for their own well-being but for the overall health of the workplace. As organisations continue to navigate the challenges of modern work, the need for robust managerial support systems has never been more apparent.