Research from CABA, the charity that supports the wellbeing of chartered accountants reveals Brits have an on-off relationship with their managers.
- 28 per cent of Brits think they can do a better job than their boss
- 36 per cent think about quitting on a regular basis
- 10 per cent of employees say their boss has made a discriminatory remark
Poor people management is hindering workplace productivity, according to research from CABA. The findings revealed that Brits are under significant workplace strain, with more than one in three, (36 per cent) confessing they think about quitting on a regular basis. The research showed this could in part be thanks to poor people management, with 28 per cent of employees saying they could do a better job than their boss.
In addition one in ten employees shockingly reported that their manager had made a discriminatory remark. A further 9 per cent said their manager had publicly disgraced them in front of colleagues, and another 9 per cent said their manager had threatened their job.
An additional 11 per cent said their manager had forced them to work overtime, leading to CABA calculating Brits on average miss 26 family occasions or social events every year; including weddings and birthdays, date nights and drinks with friends, and even gym classes.
Laura Little, learning and development manager at CABA comments, ‘People management is critical to good workplace performance, and based on these findings, it’s no wonder the UK has a productivity issue. Discrimination and humiliation are never acceptable, and it’s alarming that many bosses find it suitable to behave in this way. The sad thing is we learn from those we’re around, so poor managers are likely to influence the next generation, showing how vital it is to stamp out unprofessional behaviour before it gets out of hand.
‘Employees experiencing this kind of behaviour need to feel confident in reporting their managers as no one should think about quitting on a regular basis. We spend so much time at work, for the sake of our wellbeing, we need to enjoy work otherwise it will have serious implications for our mental health.’
The research further showed how the UK workforce is under strain, with 72 per cent admitting to working on their days off. Twenty-two per cent admitted this was a regular occurrence, and a further quarter said it happened at least once every two weeks. Twenty-seven per cent of employees reported having disputes with their managers regularly, and another 26 per cent reported clashes with colleagues on a regular basis.
Laura Little concludes, ‘Inharmonious relationships at work will have a significant impact on how people behave. Be this at home or at work, the effect is still going to be the same – poor productivity, low morale and reduced zeal. Clashing with work colleagues can also be a sign of stress, and based on the findings, employers would be wise to look at why employee relationships are fractious and resolve the issue at hand.
‘Reducing the levels of overtime would be a good start, as enabling employees to relax and recharge will ensure they are mentally ready for work, and therefore may be more able to get on with colleagues. Treating employees well will benefit employers in the long run, and taking a more holistic approach, rather than one dictated by the balance sheet will yield positive results.’
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