Being a manager has always been tricky and somehow exhausting. Navigating organisational culture, processes and bottlenecks while accomplishing projects and being a leader for the team is squeezing managers up to the point of disengagement, burn out, wish to leave the company and many more.
We’re clearly experiencing a totally new era. Now, managers are at the heart of a transformation that presents both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The recent shift towards remote and hybrid work models has put an additional strain on team leaders, who are now navigating complex needs and demands from both their teams and upper management. Amidst this backdrop, a concerning trend has emerged: a significant portion of managers report feeling disengaged, burned out, and even contemplating a change of job, reflecting a broader sense of dissatisfaction and disconnect within the managerial ranks.
A recent survey from Gallup revealed that 64% of managers reported an increase in their job responsibilities, coupled with restructuring and budget cuts. This has not only amplified their workload but also heightened their responsibility to keep their teams cohesive and productive amidst economic uncertainty and layoffs.
Compounding the challenge is the task of meeting employees' unmet needs. With employee engagement at a low since 2021, managers are struggling to address fundamental aspects of performance development such as setting clear expectations, fostering a connection with the organisation's mission, and providing opportunities for growth. The failure to address these needs not only diminishes team morale but also jeopardises the overall productivity and innovation of the organisation.
Remote and hybrid work, while offering benefits such as cost savings and access to broader talent pools, has introduced additional hurdles for managers. They are now tasked with enforcing work policies, adapting them to individual team members' needs, and maintaining an inclusive and supportive team culture without the advantage of physical proximity. These challenges are particularly pronounced for managing fully remote employees, with many leaders expressing greater confidence in managing hybrid workers.
Better support for managers is not only needed, but urgent. This entails clear and consistent communication from leadership about organisational priorities and policies, as well as involving managers in decision-making to foster ownership and alignment. Additionally, equipping managers with the smart tools to lead effectively, especially in hybrid and remote, distributed settings.
theCoRD is a powerful tool for managers, coaching team leaders and their teams in meeting contexts, providing insights into team dynamics and facilitating effective communication and collaboration to foster a more coherent and engaged team. If your managers and team leaders grapple under the pressure of their responsibilities in the workplace, your smartest move is to try theCoRD today. Make this tool the indispensable ally in the quest for organisational success, manager well-being and team efficiency and performance.
