1 in 4 U.S. managers ‘miserable,’ coaching gap revealed: Perceptyx survey

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — America’s managers are struggling, with many feeling the pressure, lacking adequate coaching, and worrying about their effectiveness in leadership roles.

This was revealed by a Perceptyx survey based on 1,500 managers and 1,600 workers.

Mid-level managers under pressure

Mid-level managers find themselves caught between escalating demands from both superiors and subordinates. 

According to the survey, 39% of managers report increased pressure from leadership, while 37% note a rise in pressure from direct reports compared to the previous year.

“When managers are hurting, it’s bad news for everyone,” said Emily Killham, Senior Director and Head of the Center for Workforce Transformation at Perceptyx. 

“Mid-level managers are the ones working face-to-face with other employees. They have a huge impact on overall employee morale, engagement, and productivity.”

The situation is equally grim from the employee perspective, with nearly 25% reporting they’re working for their “worst boss ever” – a figure unchanged from 2023.

These employees cited a lack of integrity, effective communication, expertise, action-taking, and customer focus as critical deficiencies in their managers.

Despite the stereotype of mid-level managers as office tyrants, the survey found that 70% of them have acted on employee feedback to improve their performance. 

Benefits of managerial coaching

Despite these challenges, the survey highlights a silver lining. Managers who receive coaching are 1.3 times more likely to be fully engaged in their jobs, manage stress levels effectively, and handle their workloads. 

However, about 60% of managers express a need for more ongoing coaching to improve their skills, while 24% have not received any coaching at all.

“Organizations that support their mid-level managers can greatly improve employee engagement, boost productivity, and achieve sustainable success,” said Killham. 

“Giving managers the tools and training they need fosters a culture of success and continuous development that pays dividends across the organization.”