New managers drive nearly 50% of women employees to consider resignation

New managers drive nearly 50% of women employees to consider resignation

The Stressful Reality of Rookie Managers: A Recipe for Sleepless Nights

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A recent study conducted by Oji Life Lab and Harris Poll has shed light on a concerning issue faced by employees across the United States. It appears that a significant number of workers are feeling heightened stress levels due to the incompetence and lack of preparedness exhibited by rookie managers. The negative impact of working under such individuals has become so severe that it is causing sleepless nights for approximately one-fifth of employees.

In the study, which featured responses from 2,000 U.S. workers, it was revealed that 40% of participants experienced stress or anxiety about going to work as a result of having a first-time boss. Furthermore, this stressful dynamic has caused motivation levels to dwindle, encouraging around one-third of respondents to contemplate leaving their respective companies altogether. These findings should serve as a wake-up call for organizations, highlighting the detrimental consequences of appointing inexperienced individuals to managerial positions.

While the negative effects are widespread, it seems that women bear the brunt of first-time managers. Just over a third of male employees reported feeling stress or anxiety when working under a newly promoted boss, whereas this figure rose to almost half among female staffers. Women workers also reported having more negative feelings about their career paths and experiencing poor quality sleep due to the actions of their new bosses. This imbalance is alarming, as it suggests that new managers unintentionally obstruct efforts to bridge the gender gap and promote the progression of women within organizations. The study notes that 40% of the women surveyed cited new managers as a motivating factor behind their desire to quit, compared to 29% of men.

Interestingly, the negative experiences with rookie managers seem to intensify with age. The survey revealed that women over 55 were the most likely to rate new managers poorly in terms of “handling difficult situations” and “providing feedback.” Linda Hill, a distinguished professor of business administration at Harvard University, suggests that this may be attributed to the belief held by many new managers that treating people fairly means treating them all the same. However, different demographics have specific needs and concerns, such as childbearing and menopause, that require tailored management approaches.

It is essential to acknowledge that first-time managers, across the board, face numerous challenges and struggle to effectively fulfill their roles in the initial year. The study indicates that these new managers exhibit deficiencies in decision-making, conflict resolution, running productive meetings, and providing quality feedback. These shortcomings make their employees’ jobs unnecessarily difficult and contribute to the increase in workplace stress. The primary reason behind this skills gap appears to be inadequate training provided to rookie managers.

Ultimately, the responsibility for the anxiety-ridden sleepless nights experienced by employees, and the subsequent high turnover rate, lies on the shoulders of employers who promote individuals to managerial positions without proper training. The study emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that managers, like surgeons or pilots, receive adequate training before assuming their roles. Matt Kursh, the co-founder and CEO of Oji Life Lab, states, “It’s no surprise that these freshly-minted managers have anxious teams that want to quit; the managers are unskilled at decision-making, cultivating good communication, coaching people to success, and a range of other universal leadership skills.” Although the situation may seem disheartening, there is a glimmer of hope. Hill suggests that with time and experience, all of these necessary managerial skills can be acquired, even for those managers who may struggle during their first year.

In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on a significant workplace issue affecting employees throughout the United States. The stress and anxiety caused by unprepared rookie managers have led to sleepless nights and decreased motivation among workers. Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by this dynamic, endangering efforts to bridge gender gaps within organizations. The blame for this situation rests with employers who fail to provide adequate training to their newly promoted managers, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities of their roles. However, with proper training and experience, rookie managers can develop the necessary skills to become successful leaders.