YouGov and the Chartered Management Institute spoke to 4,500 workers and managers in the UK to understand the impact that poor management can have in a workplace.
While the study found that good management can improve productivity and staff retention, there were alarming statistics about the training managers receive.
Surprisingly, 82% of leaders consider themselves ‘accidental’ managers, which means they have had no form of formal leadership, or management training. Although some may be a natural fit for the role, this situation is having a negative effect on businesses across the country.
The study found that 28% of employees had left a business because of a negative relationship with a manager, and 33% said they were less motivated to do their work because of ineffective management. There are also concerns about untrained managers being less likely to address poor behaviour in the workplace.
Anthony Painter, the CMI’s director of policy, commented on the findings: “Improving the performance of UK managers is crucial to preventing toxic workplace cultures developing, where bad behaviour goes unchecked.
Looking more broadly, Painter said that the lack of management training is negatively influencing businesses, the economy, and productivity overall.
“In any skilled area of modern work, you would expect people in positions of competence to receive at least minimal training. You want your plumbers to be trained, you want your cybersecurity people to be trained – well the same is true of managers,” said Painter.
Accessing Management Training
Recognising the role of strong leadership was a real driver behind the creation of the Help to Grow: Management Course. By empowering SME leaders and senior managers with the knowledge and confidence to become better leaders, the government-funded course is helping businesses across all industries to tackle the challenges they face and go on to innovate and grow.
During the 12-module course, you will explore the issues raised in this study such as employee experience, staff retention, and how to boost productivity. In addition, you will gain a comprehensive understanding and frameworks in essential business areas like finance, marketing, and entering new markets.
Naturally, it is hard to improve your management alone, and that’s why the course has a peer network and a mentor who will act as a sounding board for the issues you face.
You can find out more about the 90% funded course here.
