America’s managers are not all right, according to new data from Perceptyx, a global leader in employee experience (EX) transformation. Perceptyx’s latest panel survey finds many corporate managers feeling stressed, in need of coaching, and worried they aren’t leading effectively.
Despite their popular image as report-dispensing tyrants of the regional office, mid-level managers say they’re eager to get better at their jobs and improve the experience of their direct reports. In fact, 70% of managers have acted based on employee feedback, showcasing their attempt to do better in their role. However, while 81% have had formal training, about 60% say they could use more ongoing coaching to improve their skills, and 24% say they have not been coached at all.
To make matters worse, many say the job is getting harder. These managers say they are increasingly caught between demands from above and below, with 39% saying pressure from leadership has increased since last year and 37% saying pressure from direct reports has increased since last year.
“When managers are hurting, it’s bad news for everyone,” says Emily Killham, senior director and head of the Center for Workplace Transformation at Perceptyx. “Mid-level managers are the ones working face-to-face with other employees. They have a huge impact on overall employee morale, engagement, and productivity.”
The view from below is similarly grim. Nearly 25% of employees say they’re working for their “worst boss ever,” the same as in 2023. Employee reporting to the “worst manager” note a lack of specific behaviors that differentiate them from other managers: integrity, effective communication, expertise, acting, and customer focus.
On the plus side, Perceptyx finds that coaching has clear, cascading benefits for teams as leader skills improve, but it also generates benefits for the managers themselves. Those who receive coaching are nearly twice as likely to be fully engaged in their jobs, to say that stress levels are manageable, and to be able to manage their workloads.
“Organizations that support their mid-level managers can greatly improve employee engagement, boost productivity, and achieve sustainable success,” says Killham. “Giving managers the tools and training they need fosters a culture of success and continuous development that pays dividends across the organization.”
