Managers Feeling Squeezed by New Workplace Environment

According to American analytics and advisory company Gallup, managers in today’s new workplace environment are expressing concerns about having to increasingly grapple with increased workloads, reduced budgets, and the nuances of leading new and diverse teams.

Managers are more likely than nonmanagers to feel disengaged at work, be burnt out, be actively in search for a new job, and feel like the company doesn’t care about their well-being, Gallup reports.

When Gallup recently asked managers about changes their organizations made in 2023, 51% cited the restructuring of teams and 42% reported budget cuts, suggesting that managers are being forced to deal with newer types of teams (i.e., remote and hybrid workers) and do so with less funds.

Gallup offered the following suggestions to help managers address these challenges:

• Better leadership communication—Gallup reports that only three in 10 managers feel kept in the loop by their higher ups. Consistent, clear communication with managers regarding policies and goals can help them, in return, communicate better with their teams.
• More training and development—According to Gallup, only 48% of managers strongly agree that they currently have the skills needed to be exceptional at their jobs. Managers need increased training on best practices in employee engagement and performance development.
• Coaching support to prevent burnout—Just as it’s essential to have significant weekly discussions with team members, the same principle should be applied when coaching managers. Managers should sense the concern from their leaders and experience consistent career growth, all while maintaining their personal wellness.
• A community of shared accountability—Although managers are tasked with fostering a productive environment within their teams, they also belong to a broader community of fellow managers. Regular exchanges with their counterparts can boost teamwork, streamline coordination, allow the sharing of effective strategies, provide leadership insights, and offer emotional backing.

To learn more about Gallup’s research on this topic, visit their website.