When it comes to the well-being of employees, there’s a notable disconnect between what managers believe and what their direct reports perceive, according to a recent survey conducted by Checkr.com. The survey revealed a gap: while almost 4 in 10 employees rated managers poorly in addressing mental health issues, nearly 6 in 10 managers deemed their efforts good to very good. Although 59% of management expressed intentions to boost investment in mental health programs, only 40% of employees actually believe this will happen by 2024, as per a report released on December 13th.
Research also highlights a discrepancy in how managers perceive their relationships with their teams compared to what employees feel. While over 70% of managers claim excellent rapport and open communication, only 58% of employees share this sentiment. Moreover, more than half of managers believe they prioritize employees’ professional growth, whereas just over a third of employees agree.
Looking ahead to 2024, Checkr predicts ongoing workplace trends such as remote work, return-to-office policies, mental health support, and career development will persist. However, all these trends share a common thread: the critical need for collaboration between managers and employees, according to the platform.
Interestingly, Checkr’s findings reveal a shared sentiment between employees and managers concerning burnout due to the rapidly changing post-pandemic workplace. Both groups—managers (60%) and employees (60%)—acknowledge the stress and overwork prevalent among workers. Additionally, a vast majority from both camps (management: 78%; employees: 82%) stress the importance of better work-life balance and boundaries heading into 2024.
Studies consistently underscore employees’ desire to view their managers as more human. According to a 2023 report from Perceptyx, the most respected bosses are seen as professional, trustworthy, and caring. Conversely, the worst bosses are labelled as disrespectful, incompetent, unsupportive, and unfair. This aligns with Checkr’s findings, where 32% of managers and 40% of employees value responsiveness among coworkers.
Acknowledging the significant impact managers wield on employee well-being and mental health, experts emphasize the necessity of providing training and coaching tools to managers, especially those new to their roles. Training programs should be tailored to specific roles, align with departmental goals, and foster accountability, according to a 2023 report on Learning and Development (L&D). Flexibility and practical implementation opportunities on the job are also recommended in these customized manager training programs.
