Hey there, middle managers! Guess what? It’s time to sit down, grab a latte, and listen up because burnout has your number – and it’s calling collect! That’s right, according to the latest buzz from a Glassdoor survey, while the junior and senior folks are chilling with their work-life balance, you guys? Not so much. In 2023, your work-life scales tipped more than a seesaw at a toddler’s birthday party.
Why the sudden spotlight on middle managers? Well, word on the street is that most of you are ‘accidental managers.’ Yeah, you heard it right – accidental. Like when you stepped up during the pandemic without a roadmap or a compass, bless your hearts. And now? You’re stuck in a pickle, sandwiched between the higher-ups, who are all gung-ho about returning to the office, and your team, who are sweating over flexibility and their not-so-growing paychecks.
Nearly all bosses (not just middle managers) are ‘accidental’ with no formal training—and research shows it’s leading 1 in 3 workers to quit. The burned-out second rung of leadership is the least satisfied with their jobs right now, according to Glassdoor’s 2024 Workplace Trends report.
And if you’re wondering whether people are taking notes on this epic saga of burnout – they are! Another survey, this one by Visier, dropped a truth bomb: only 38% of U.S. professionals in non-managerial roles even want to step into your shoes at their current organizations. Ouch, that has a sting!
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s time for a change, and it’s not just about finding a new coffee flavor. It’s about recognizing the realness of middle manager burnout and doing something about it. Whether it’s more training, support, or just a day off to binge-watch your favorite show – it’s high time companies started paying attention. Because let’s face it, without you middle managers, who will keep the office ship sailing smoothly? Spoiler alert: no one.
So, to all the middle managers, hold your heads high. You’re the unsung heroes keeping the wheels turning. But remember, even heroes need a break sometimes!
