What's Happening?
A recent report from Glassdoor emphasizes the significant role that manager satisfaction plays in shaping company culture. The report, published on October 1, 2025, indicates that when managers are content, their teams tend to report higher levels of satisfaction in areas such as work-life balance, culture and values, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The analysis, which reviewed over 2 million Glassdoor reviews from more than 1,500 companies between 2022 and 2025, found that worker ratings are highest when both managers and leaders are satisfied. Conversely, ratings drop when there is a disconnect between leaders and managers. The report also highlights that manager burnout is a growing issue, with two-thirds of managers struggling with heavy workloads, impacting productivity and employee satisfaction.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the critical influence of managerial satisfaction on overall workplace culture and employee engagement. As organizations strive to improve DEI and work-life balance, the role of managers becomes increasingly pivotal. Companies that fail to address manager burnout and satisfaction may face challenges in maintaining a positive work environment, which can affect employee retention and productivity. The report suggests that aligning the satisfaction levels of managers and leaders can lead to better organizational outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support managers in their roles.
What's Next?
Organizations may need to implement strategies to address manager burnout and improve satisfaction, such as reducing workloads, providing more support, and offering professional development opportunities. As companies recognize the link between manager satisfaction and employee engagement, there may be increased efforts to align leadership and managerial goals to foster a cohesive workplace culture. This could involve revisiting organizational structures and communication channels to ensure that managers are adequately supported and empowered to lead effectively.
