Almost half of U.K. managers (46%) report that their responsibilities have increased since COVID, with almost a quarter (23%) finding it more difficult to stay positive at work.
O.C. Tanner’s 2023 Global Culture Report also reveals that the new responsibilities and expectations placed on managers over the past few years has resulted in many succumbing to stress and burnout. In fact, 39 percent of U.K. employees report that their direct managers seem stressed.
“This increase in workload for managers is negatively impacting their wellbeing and engagement, as well as overall company culture” says Robert Ordever, European MD of O.C. Tanner. “They are expected to do far more but with the same if not fewer resources, and eventually something has to give and it’s all too often their mental health.”
What takes up most time?
The report highlights that the main managerial tasks taking up more time since Covid are project and team meetings (36% of managers report an increase). This is followed by management meetings (35%) and training and mentoring (32%).
Despite these additional tasks, 18 percent of U.K. managers admit that they are finding it more difficult to receive support from senior leaders.
Ordever says, “Managers are stretched far too thinly these days, with meetings and mentoring occupying more time than ever before. Leaders must recognise this and find ways to ease their burden.”
How can organisations help managers use their time effectively?
The Culture Report recognises that while it may not be possible for an organisation to ease every managers’ workload, managers can be provided with a robust support network where they can seek advice, ask for help and share best practice. They can also be made to feel valued and appreciated. In fact, 64 percent of U.K managers agree that receiving more recognition for their work would improve their employee experience, with leaders and managers who work in organisations with a culture of recognition, having a 38 percent reduced chance of developing anxiety.
Ordever adds, “Managers need support and recognition just as much as any employee. This must be given regularly and authentically, with appreciation integrated into everyday culture so that it flows in all directions. Managers will then feel part of a caring workplace community in which their contributions are continually seen and valued.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
