Britain's managers are drowning in paper, want more recognition for the work they do and are crying out for better work-life balance, according to the first UK ‘whinge report’.
Based on the recent Business Energy Survey of 1500 managers by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Adecco, the report suggests that poor leadership and a lack of direction and vision from bosses is still plaguing UK PLC.
Efforts going unrewarded and a distinct lack of praise within the workplace leaves four out of ten managers feeling exploited and one in three wanting to leave and work elsewhere.
Managers complained that too much unnecessary process – ranging from unnecessary circular emails to pointless meetings - is having a negative effect, compounded by the continuing prevalence of archaic and antiquated management styles.
A quarter of respondents said that their organisation suffered from ‘old school’ authoritarian bosses who were still in the dark ages, while more than half said that their boss has no better vision of the company than the tea lady!
Compounding these problems, increasing workloads and ever-shortening deadlines have left more than four out of ten managers feeling overloaded, while over half miss important family occasions because of work commitments
Adecco's Richard Macmillan said: “It is imperative that UK bosses sit up and take note of these findings as there are some very simple steps that can be used to address these work whinges. Simply listening to what staff have to say rather than thinking you need to provide all the answers is a good start.”
Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, agreed. “Bosses need to show a sense of realism when it comes to managing the needs of their staff," she said.
"Career progression and organisational productivity are closely linked to an individual’s energy levels and if people are not properly motivated they will be less able to perform to their maximum ability. As a result organisational performance will suffer.”
