I thought this was pretty funny when I saw it the other day.
Like most good jokes, it has a strong hint of truth to it.
Because sadly, a lot of managers are not OK.
A recent study by The Workforce Institute surveyed 3,400 workers across 10 countries, and found some pretty disturbing results about managers:
- Half of the managers surveyed wish that someone had warned them not to take their current job.
- Seventy percent of managers would take a pay cut right now for a job that better supports their mental wellness.
- Half say it’s likely they’ll quit their job within the next 12 months because they’re experiencing too much work-related stress.
Of course, this is confronting to read on its own. But what makes it worse is the effect this is having on managers’ teams.
Because an unhappy leader will drag the whole team down. When a manager is struggling, they can’t give their team the support needed. And it’s unlikely that they will deal with difficult work situations in a measured way.
Often, managers don’t realise how much they can affect the mental wellbeing of their team members.
The truth is that studies have shown that someone’s manager has as much impact on their mental health as their spouse!
So, to the managers out there who are struggling at work: now is the time to do something about it. For yourself, and your team.
Here’s some things that can help:
- Manage your own work-life balance. Many leaders put in long hours and overstep their own boundaries in the process. This isn’t good for you, and your team will use this as a model (whether you like it or not).
- Give some priority to your own enjoyment at work. Get clear on the people and activities that generate your peak positive feelings at work, and find ways to include them in your schedule.
- Be vulnerable. If you’re struggling, be honest about it with your team, peers and your own manager. You’re more likely to get the support you need, and you will encourage others to be more open around their own challenges.
