Research highlights a significant disconnect between managers and business leaders.
- 60% of managers perceive a prioritisation of profits over employee needs.
- 66% of managers feel leaders care more about profitability than personnel.
- Only 30% of managers feel encouraged to discuss their challenges openly.
- Perkbox Vivup Group identifies gaps in support and engagement.
In recent research by the global engagement platform Perkbox Vivup Group, a concerning disconnect between managers and business leaders has been illuminated, with 60% of managers reporting a perception that their superiors prioritise profit over the needs of their employees. This disconnect poses a challenge for business leaders striving to manage growth amidst an uncertain economic climate. This sentiment resonates with 66% of managers who believe leaders value profitability more than their workforce, creating friction within corporate structures.
Furthermore, there is a growing sentiment among managers that the leadership is shirking responsibilities related to supporting team members, as 59% of managers have expressed. Consequently, nearly 58% of managers are concerned that excessive pressure from leaders could adversely affect their commitment to the organisation. Managers often find themselves burdened with expectations that feel unattainable, with 59% attributing this to leadership demands that seem unfeasible.
A crucial issue identified is the lack of open communication within organisations. Less than a third of managers report working in environments that promote open discussions about workplace challenges, which obstructs their ability to support their teams effectively. The research points to 68% of managers who believe that leaders are detached from daily operations and fail to address rising stress levels adequately. Over half of the managers, at 51%, feel that their feedback goes unheard and unacted upon, underscoring a significant area for improvement.
The study by Perkbox highlights specific deficiencies in support structures that managers deem necessary. About 64% of managers indicate a discrepancy in expectations versus resources when providing wellbeing support to their teams. Similarly, 66% of managers observe a desire among team members for more personalised perks and benefits, which they feel is unmet by current business provisions. However, there is a glimmer of understanding as over half of managers acknowledge efforts by leadership to aid managers in delivering optimal team support.
Perkbox Vivup Group’s CEO, Doug Butler, succinctly captures the essence of these findings by emphasising the need for alignment between business leaders’ expectations and the support managers require to meet organisational goals. “We must empower [managers] by listening to their challenges and providing them with impactful tools to more effectively do their job.” His statement underscores the critical role managers play in bridging company objectives with engaged, productive employees.
To bridge the gap, leaders must align organisational priorities with managers’ needs, fostering engagement and productivity.
