Managers drive employee motivation, but need more support – UKG study

MASSACHUSETTS and FLORIDA, UNITED STATES — A comprehensive global study has highlighted the pivotal role managers play in fostering employee motivation and engagement in the workplace.
The research also highlights managersβ high levels of burnout, underscoring the need for organizations to better support their people leaders.
Conducted by the UKG Workforce Institute, the research found that 73% of employees globally say their manager directly motivates them to go above and beyond at work.
Additionally, 87% believe their manager trusts them, 79% feel supported in their career goals, and 75% say their manager cares about them as individuals.
βWe’ve long said at UKG that great managers are key to creating great workplaces and driving positive results — and this study affirms that belief,β said Pat Wadors, chief people officer at UKG.
βThough, like the plane safety instructions about putting your own oxygen mask on first, managers need the full support of their organizations to care for themselves in order to fully support their employees.β
Great managers are the backbone of great workplaces. They inspire, guide, and empower teams. But they need our support.
Check out this article from @WF_Institute on why supporting managers is crucial for a thriving workplace. https://t.co/d3uwm39L1j#WeAreUKG pic.twitter.com/gk03oD5ECI
— UKG (@UKGInc) March 20, 2024
The findings also revealed a concerning level of burnout among managers themselves, with 86% experiencing job-related stress, and 49% willing to accept a pay cut to reduce their workload.
Despite the demands, 79% of managers enjoy their role, with 60% motivated by helping others succeed rather than higher pay (54%) or power (24%).
“Supporting our managers means providing the right tools and technology that make this vital role that much easier,β said Dr. Jarik Conrad, Executive Director of the UKG Workforce Institute.
βThe best workplaces make the hard stuff simple for people, and when you’re wholly committed to caring for all employees, building a great place to work becomes part of a healthy routine.β
The study surveyed over 4,200 employees, managers, and executives across the U.S., Australia/New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the UK.