Manager Burnout Threatens Productivity, Retention
A recent report from Top Workplaces shows that 67% of managers face heavy workloads, resulting in a 35% burnout rate, the highest among job grades. This burnout threatens organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. With managers potentially scheduling up to 260 meetings annually, companies must invest in training and support, states the report. Improving manager well-being could enhance employee morale and retention, benefiting overall business success.
The survey highlights the challenges managers face in balancing workloads and overseeing larger teams. Over half of employers noted observable burnout among their management staff. According to Kinsey Smith, Senior Data Analyst, Top Workplaces, “managers are the backbone of any company, and their well-being directly affects productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business success.”
Managers typically lead teams of 10, and many report difficulties in addressing the conflicting needs of senior leaders and their direct reports. The burden of meetings exacerbates this stress. For instance, managers with a team of 10 could be responsible for scheduling up to 260 meetings annually if they conduct two one-on-one meetings per employee each month and two career discussions per year. This estimate excludes additional responsibilities, such as performance management and team motivation.
Additionally, pressure on managers has intensified this year, with 40% reporting increased demands from leadership and 37% noting more stress from their direct reports, according to a Perceptyx survey. Coaching can mitigate these pressures, as managers who receive it are more likely to report manageable stress levels and increased engagement, asserts HR Dive.
The implications of manager well-being extends organization-wide. A report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that 80% of workers with highly effective managers feel valued, while only 35% report feeling valued under ineffective managers. Moreover, effective managers significantly boost employee morale and retention, making workers more than twice as likely to feel committed to their employer.



