Economic downturn has many fearing for their jobs: CIPD
Middle managers in the United Kingdom are feeling the squeeze as a result of the economic downturn, according to a survey of 2,047 employees by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Almost one-half (49 per cent) of middle managers said they are under excessive pressure either every day or once or twice a week, compared to a survey average of 37 per cent. They are particularly unhappy with their work-life balance — just 44 per cent said they are satisfied with their work-life balance, compared to 70 per cent among employees with no managerial responsibilities.
In addition, middle managers worry the most about their job security — 29 per cent think it is likely they could lose their job as a result of the economic downturn, compared to 21 per cent of employees with no managerial responsibility and 15 per cent of senior managers.
As a result, middle managers are the category of employees that are most likely to be looking for a new job with a different employer, with 29 per cent looking to move organizations compared to a survey average of 21 per cent.
"Middle managers are often caught in the middle between delivering strategic objectives and managing under-pressure line managers. They can also be first in line when organizations look to reduce headcount. While middle management will undoubtedly bear its share of job losses in organizations needing to reduce head count, it is also important to remember the crucial role these managers play in managing change, translating the objectives of senior managers into actions and motivating others,” said Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD.
