How Managers Are Navigating Increasing Employee Demands
In a recent survey conducted by benefits provider Perkbox Vivup Group, a quarter (25%) of UK managers reported that their team members have become more demanding in the past year. However, a staggering 87% of managers said that this shift has improved employee engagement and satisfaction.
Navigating Increasing Employee Demands
The research findings, published on August 19th, also revealed that encouraging team members to bring their authentic selves to work improves creativity and innovation, according to 88% of managers. Jennifer Healy, Perkbox’s group chief people officer, emphasised the pivotal role HR teams play in supporting managers to navigate these increasing workforce demands.
“Over the past number of years, employees have experienced increasing amounts of change, a turbulent political landscape, and the cost of living crisis,” Healy told HR magazine. “It’s key that HR teams understand the impact of these external events, equipping managers with the ability and tools to support their teams in navigating these challenges.”
The Perkbox research also found that 75% of managers have taken a more varied approach to management in response to having a more diverse team. Over half (53%) of managers reported directly asking their team members what they need from a manager, while 49% worked with their team members to set individual career and development goals.
Healy suggested that HR could provide training to support managers with individualising their employee support. “By equipping managers with the people skills, tools, and knowledge needed to understand and respond to each team member and providing a diverse range of benefits which include recognition, rewards, and support, HR teams can create a workplace where each employee feels supported and celebrated and whose individual needs are met,” she added.
Ronni Zehavi, CEO of HR software provider HiBob, commented that access to employee engagement data could also help managers tailor their support. “Through advanced people analytics, HR can provide managers with insights into team members’ specific needs, preferences, and work styles,” he told HR magazine. “HR technology can offer real-time data on employee performance, engagement levels, and workload distribution. This data-driven approach allows managers to make informed decisions that prioritise employee well-being and align with business goals.”
However, Leena Rinne, global head of coaching at training provider Skillsoft, cautioned that HR should ensure managers’ mental health doesn’t suffer with the increased demand. Research by consultancy Gartner last May found that managers deal with 51% more responsibilities than they can effectively handle, which causes 54% of managers to suffer from work-induced stress.
“We often see managers feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in their roles because they lack support in developing the necessary skill set to be effective,” Rinne told HR magazine. “HR can assist by providing coaching that teaches managers how to make their direct reports feel heard and supported, while also maintaining appropriate boundaries.”
As the workplace continues to evolve, it is crucial for HR teams to support managers in navigating the increasing demands of their team members. By providing the necessary tools, training, and resources, managers can foster a culture of authenticity, leading to improved employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall business success.
