UK managers beg bosses for pat on the back

Top work whinges revealed in Business Energy Survey

London, August 31, 2004 - What managers really think of their bosses was made clearer today as Adecco and the Chartered Management Institute revealed their first UK íwhinge reportí.

The findings show UK workers longing for a few words of thanks, drowning in paper and telling bosses to recognise their life outside the workplace. Based on the recent Business Energy Survey, 1500 managers were asked to give advice to their bosses. They said:

1. Say thanks occasionally - With efforts going unrewarded and a distinct lack of praise within the workplace it is no wonder that 40% of managers feel exploited with 1 in 3 wanting to leave and work elsewhere

2. Donít drown us in paper - Ranging from unnecessary circular emails to pointless meetings, too much unnecessary process is having a negative effect on managers

3. Remove íold guardí managers - Archaic and antiquated management styles also appear to be getting people down with 1 in 4 saying íold schoolí authoritarian bosses who are still in the dark ages have no place in their company

4. Recognise I have a life - Increasing workloads and ever-shortening deadlines have left 43% feeling overloaded and worryingly over half are missing important family occasions because of work commitments

5. Be clear about what you expect - Managers are suffering from a lack of direction and vision from their bosses with over half saying that their boss has no better vision of the company than the tea lady!

Some of the more íoff-the-wallí pieces of advice showed just how important those little things can be at work:

* Give up the Boardís reserved parking spaces to make more room for parent child parking
* Leave your office door open once in a while
* Improve the air conditioning
* Donít be afraid of the workforce
* Trust me to do the job you pay me for!

As the boss of over 300 branch managers in the UK, Richard Macmillan, Managing Director of Adecco UK and Ireland, added his own thoughts. He said: It is imperative that UK bosses sit up and take note of these findings as there are some very simple steps that can be used to address these work whinges. Simply listening to what staff have to say rather than thinking you need to provide all the answers is a good start.

Macmillan continued Getting back to the íshop floorí is another great way to understand the feelings of frontline staff. Also, remember people have a life outside of work; it is possible to do your job well without being in the office long hours. Finally, recognise good people and place a higher value on their pay and conditions.

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, says: Bosses need to show a sense of realism when it comes to managing the needs of their staff. Career progression and organisational productivity are closely linked to an individualís energy levels and if people are not properly motivated they will be less able to perform to their maximum ability. As a result organisational performance will suffer.