This year’s CIPD ‘Good Work Index’ (2024) reports that when it comes to how they feel about their job, only 34% of employees are enthusiastic sometimes, and 16% are rarely or never enthusiastic. This is a concerning statistic. When half of employees are disengaged in their workplace, it has an adverse effect on the quality of their life, their work performance and the economy at large.
Although several factors can contribute to a lack of engagement, from meaningful work, salary, autonomy and control, work/life balance, task complexity, and skills development, the main residing issue of disengagement is workplace conflict.
25% of those surveyed by CIPD reported workplace conflict (defined as being undermined or humiliated; intimidation; sexual harassment; heated arguments; physical threat or assault). The report concluded that there is a real need for focus on the line manager and people function in resolving conflict, and better management of work relationships.
This need for leadership training is affirmed by the 2023 Better Management Report, a study done by the Chartered Institute of Management in partnership with YouGov. The report revealed that a disturbing 82% of workers entering management positions have not had any formal management and leadership training, and that half of those who say their bosses are ineffective plan to quit within the next year.
There is a clear need for more research to understand how training can be designed to enhance managerial effectiveness and improve its impact on employee engagement. Regardless of your business sector or size, poor management practices and ineffective managerial training is key issue. The behaviour of a line manager can either have an advantageous or detrimental impact on their team, organisation and ultimately society at large.
KOTA are aware of the impact that a leader can have on a business, the people, culture and profits. This is why the programmes we provide focus on bridging the skills gap for our leaders in business, education and in the community. To find out more about our training programmes and how we can help you build a better bottom line, book in for consultation.