January 30, 2004—Levels of stress and mistrust are rising but managers are unshakably positive and optimistic, according to an annual “snapshot” of the state of the workplace by Roffey Park.
Roffey Park’s Management Agenda, now in its seventh year, examines the challenges that managers and organizations around the UK are facing. This year’s report found that over a difficult 12 months 90% of organizations experienced change, predominantly as a result of restructuring. Nearly a third downsized during the year—up from 22% in the previous year.
The survey shows that ‘fat cat’ pay controversies and corporate scandals appear to have fuelled a new level of cynicism and mistrust amongst employees, exacerbated by the ‘secrecy of directors’ and the lack of employee consultation. In contrast, subordinates and peers are the most trusted groups.
More managers than ever before (74%) are suffering from work-related stress, note the report authors. 57% say their workload has increased over the past year. 58% claim they are having to work longer hours following organizational changes, with 83% claiming to be working consistently longer than their contracted week.
Despite all this, 69% of managers feel secure in their jobs, and a growing number admit to feeling optimistic about the future. More men (45%) than women (39%) voiced this confidence.
“Stress at work is continuing to rise yet somehow managers claim to be upbeat and able to cope,” said authors Claire McCartney and Linda Holbeche. “There now appears to be a collective sense of purpose and commitment within organizations, following the difficult trading conditions encountered in 2003. On the whole, things look promising for the year ahead.”
According to the survey, line managers have been able to motivate their teams, through periods of uncertainty, by celebrating successes, providing more training and development opportunities and through greater employee involvement and consultation.
There is also evidence of a greater recognition of the value of knowledge management and a greater adoption of e-learning and virtual working.
—Elliott Chase
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2004 i-FM
