The research findings were published today (19 August) by benefits provider Perkbox Vivup Group. The survey also revealed that encouraging team members to bring their authentic selves to work improves creativity and innovation, according to 88% of managers.
“HR teams play a pivotal role in supporting managers to navigate increasing workforce demands,” said Jennifer Healy, Perkbox's group chief people officer, speaking to HR magazine.
“Over the past number of years, employees have experienced increasing amounts of change, a turbulent political landscape and the cost of living crisis.
“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.”
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Perkbox research found that 75% managers said they have taken a more varied approach to management in response to having a more diverse team.
Over half (53%) 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.
HR could provide training to support managers with individualising their employee support, Healy added.
She continued: “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.”
Read more: Help 'accidental managers' develop key people skills
Access to employee engagement data could also help managers tailor their support, commented Ronni Zehavi, CEO of HR software provider HiBob.
He told HR magazine: “Through advanced people analytics HR can provide managers with insights into team members’ specific needs, preferences and work styles.
“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.
“Simply put, when managers are well supported with the right tools and insights, they can better meet their team's needs, leading to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover and improved morale.”
HR should ensure managers' mental health doesn't struggle with the increase demand, Leena Rinne, global head of coaching at training provider Skillsoft, added.
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."
Perkbox commissioned Opinium to survey 2,000 managers in the UK between 17 and 22 April 2024.
