Workplace stress is rising, but managers say bosses don’t want to hear it

UK business leaders are failing to address skyrocketing employee stress levels, managers say, as the number of people on long-term sick leave continues to increase.

A survey from Perkbox Vivup Group, a wellbeing and engagement platform, has revealed a big rift between managers and bosses. 68% of respondents in a management role say that directors and department heads are failing to acknowledge increasing stress levels.

Economic troubles have forced many business owners to make difficult decisions this year, in order to remain afloat. But the Perkbox data suggests managers feel they have gone too far, and are now prioritising profits over the health and wellbeing of staff.

Bosses ‘failing’ to address rising stress

Burnout has been the new hire in many offices this year. Poor trading conditions have caused many businesses to increase workloads in an effort to improve productivity, at the same time that crippling finances force many to make layoffs.

Famed vacuum cleaner brand, Dyson announced last week that it would be laying off 1,000 workers in order to keep costs down.

In short; there’s more work, but fewer people to do it. And the added pressure on people teams is, naturally, having an effect on employee health.

More people applied for out-of-work sickness benefits in the first four months of this year than ever before, according to statistics by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Many businesses are relying on managers to solve the problem. According to Perkbox, 64% of respondents think business leaders expect them to provide meaningful wellbeing support to reports. Yet the same percentage say bosses do not provide the necessary tools to do so.

In fact, according to managers, most bosses have their heads in the sand. 68% of managers told Perkbox that business leaders are too far removed from day-to-day operations. Moreover, 59% say they are shirking their responsibility to support team members.

Growth drive creates impossible goals

As business leaders strive for growth in a shrinking economy, the drive for profits appears to be having an impact on how employees perceive business objectives.

When setting objectives, most firms follow the SMART mantra; which, among other characteristics, states that all targets must be achievable and realistic.

But companies are setting sky-high goals to improve the bottom line. 59% of managers report that their bosses expect them to deliver on what they argue are impossible tasks.

It all comes down to communication

Poor communication is likely what’s causing the divide between managers and bosses. Just 30% of supervisors and line managers told Perkbox they feel their employer encourages open conversation about the challenges they are experiencing.

Perkbox Vivup Group’s CEO, Doug Butler, said: “We are seeing a clear disconnect between the expectations of business leaders, and the support managers feel is required for their teams to meet business objectives.

“Leaders must remember that managers are critical to connecting company goals with engaged employees who can deliver on those objectives. We must empower them to manage effectively by listening to their challenges.”

Good communication skills are fundamental for both bosses and managers. Read about the other skills you need for the top leadership styles.