The survey of 3,005 managers and employees showed that 83% of managers reported having had formal training in people management, but a lower proportion (63%) of employees believed that managers had been trained.
More than half (57%) of employees reported that their manager would benefit from further education or training, and 67% reported that they have quit their jobs, or considered quitting, due to poor management.
“Managers are rarely given intentional training on how to be a great manager, explained Nick Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Unmind, speaking to HR magazine. “The role of a modern manager is no longer about telling your team what to do; it’s about unlocking potential.
“HR managers play a crucial role in fostering better alignment between managers and employees."
Ronni Zehavi, CEO of the software firm HiBob, explained that HR should consult data to assess the areas where managers need improvement.
"Data can also help identify where the cracks are forming," he told HR magazine.
"By looking at things like absence and turnover rates, HR can spot potential issues early and address them before they worsen. Regular employee surveys are another valuable tool for understanding where manager-employee relationships may need improvement.
"By focusing on these areas, HR can ensure that managers receive the right training and support, helping to close the gap between managers and their teams."
Read more: Help 'accidental managers' develop key people skills
Nearly half (49%) of managers who were surveyed said that their lack of management training contributed to lost productivity, and cited the need for more training in hard skills such as delegating effectively (20%), providing feedback (26%) and being more organised (25%).
Meanwhile their direct reports said that they need to upskill in listening (32%) and motivating the team, (30%). Less than a fifth (18%) of managers, however, cited listening as their weakest area.
Research by HiBob (published on 4 September) showed a mismatch between Gen Z employees and their managers: 70% of managers said their company struggles to manage young employees.
Sarah Hernon, principal consultant at management consultancy Right Management, explained that this was due to younger employees wanting more frequent career conversations with managers. HR could train managers on coaching skills to address this disconnect, she suggested.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “HR can bridge this gap by equipping managers with data-driven insights and training to enhance their coaching skills.
“It’s important to foster an environment where managers can confidently support career development. This isn’t to say anyone’s expecting managers to take on the role of a professional coach, but to be able to truly listen to, guide and work with their direct reports for the benefit of both parties.
“And whilst it may seem like a huge undertaking, some really simple interventions such as asynchronous learning and peer coaching can be really impactful in empowering line managers.”
Read more: Employees being more demanding is positive, managers say
Research by benefits provider Perkbox Vivup Group last month suggested that increased employee demands on managers are a good thing: 87% of managers reported that increased employee demands had increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
Managers should also be equipped to support employees with their wellbeing, Taylor added.
Unmind’s research identified a disconnect between managers and employees over discussing mental health: 71% of managers reported being comfortable having conversations about mental health, while a lesser proportion (54%) of their direct reports felt the same.
More than a quarter (26%) of managers said that they had never received mental health training, despite 70% of direct reports saying that this would help them feel more supported and productive in their role.
Taylor continued: “HR managers can address the concerns raised in our research by providing comprehensive management training. Focus not just on hard skills but on emotional intelligence, mental health awareness and the skills, to unlock a team's potential.
“By equipping managers with these tools, HR teams can help close the gap, fostering a supportive workplace culture that improves productivity, performance and the wellbeing of their people.”
Unmind surveyed 1,500 UK managers and 1,505 employees in June 2024. HiBob surveyed 2,000 employees in August 2024.
