More than a third of UK workers (36%) are planning to leave their company imminently because their boss does not inspire them, doesn't listen to them or fails to create a clear career structure, according to research from Jobrapido.
Two-thirds (66%) of employees plan to leave within 12 months because of their boss’ poor leadership style.
Given the current difficulties UK businesses face to attract and retain talent, these latest statistics shine an even harsher light on the challenges business owners are up against, researchers said.
When asked which leadership characteristics are important for retaining staff, nearly half (47%) of respondents said a boss should inspire their workforce and make them want to stay.
A further 39% said the ability to listen is the most important quality for a manager, and 10% think that bosses should provide a clear career structure for all staff, not just a select few.
Rob Brouwer, CEO of Jobrapido, said that employers must do more in the face of a war for talent.
“In the UK the demand is becoming vigorously strong and far outstripping the supply for talent. There is clearly a need for bosses, line managers and HR departments to pay even more attention to the need not only to attract the best talent in the market but, once on board, to look at all the ways to engage and retain them,” he said.
Brouwer added that a key problem is that senior staff often don't receive the training needed to be able to develop their direct reports.
“The issue can arise because senior management, while technically brilliant at the job and/or excellent at running a business, have never received training on how to lead, manage and nurture the careers of other members of their team.
"If Britain’s bosses are keen to retain their staff then they should look at ways to inspire them and, perhaps, get direct and constructive feedback via 360-degree reviews. Also, wherever possible, look at how they can address any concerns and give adequate responses,” he said.
“At the same time no boss or line manager should think they are above learning new skills if it can help to bolster the company spirit and retain talent. Embarking on the right leadership training or a series of courses will be an important step to inspire staff so they feel inclined to stay for many more years within the company, considering how crucial talent is to a business and its success in the short and the long term.”
Jobrapido surveyed 1,444 employees across more than 20 different industry sectors including sales, marketing, engineering, transportation, construction and technology.
