Careerstone Group President Discusses Impact of Management Layering on Employee Status

What's Happening?

Mary Abbajay, president of Careerstone Group, explains the concept of 'layering' in management, where a new senior person is placed between an employee and their current boss. This restructuring can occur in growing companies or when managers have too many direct reports. While some employees may view layering as a demotion, it can also provide opportunities for mentorship and career growth. Nicole Sanchez from Vaya Consulting highlights that layering can be beneficial if it leads to more engaged leadership. However, it can also signal problems within a department if implemented due to poor performance.

Why It's Important?

Layering in management can significantly impact employee morale and career development. It may offer growth opportunities through mentorship, but can also be perceived as a loss of status, affecting employee engagement and productivity. Understanding the reasons behind layering is crucial for employees to assess their career trajectory and for organizations to maintain transparency and trust. Effective communication from management about the purpose of layering can help mitigate negative perceptions and foster a positive work environment.

What's Next?

Employees experiencing layering should evaluate the situation over time before making career decisions. They are encouraged to seek clarity on their career path and potential for advancement within the organization. Managers implementing layering should focus on building trust and maintaining open communication to ensure employees feel valued and understand the changes. Organizations may need to address any underlying performance issues that prompted the restructuring to prevent further disruptions.

Beyond the Headlines

Layering can reflect broader organizational challenges, such as unclear accountability or ineffective leadership structures. It raises ethical considerations about fairness in promotions and transparency in management decisions. Long-term, layering may influence company culture, affecting employee retention and recruitment strategies. Organizations must balance growth with maintaining employee satisfaction and trust.