What's Happening?
A report from Glassdoor highlights the critical role managers play in shaping company culture, revealing that manager satisfaction is linked to higher worker ratings in areas such as work-life balance, culture and values, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The report emphasizes the importance of involving managers in creating a positive workplace culture. In 2025, manager burnout has become prevalent, affecting productivity and employee satisfaction. Two-thirds of managers report struggling with heavy workloads, primarily due to excessive meetings that limit time for deep work and team engagement. An analysis of over 2 million Glassdoor reviews shows that worker satisfaction is highest when both managers and leaders are satisfied, and lowest when both are dissatisfied.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the importance of manager well-being in fostering a positive workplace environment. Companies that prioritize manager satisfaction may see improvements in employee engagement and productivity, as well as overall business success. The report suggests that training and development for managers could address disengagement issues, particularly among women and managers under age 35. Industries such as food service, transportation, and healthcare show varying levels of satisfaction between leaders and managers, indicating potential areas for improvement in aligning leadership and management goals.
What's Next?
Organizations may need to reassess their management strategies to ensure that managers are equipped to handle their workloads and contribute positively to company culture. This could involve implementing training programs and reducing meeting overload to allow managers more time for meaningful engagement with their teams. As companies strive to improve workplace culture, they may also need to address disparities in satisfaction levels across different sectors, potentially leading to industry-specific solutions.
Beyond the Headlines
The focus on manager satisfaction highlights broader cultural and ethical considerations in the workplace, such as the importance of equitable treatment and support for all employees. As companies work to improve manager well-being, they may also need to consider the long-term impact on employee retention and the development of a sustainable, inclusive workplace culture. The findings could influence future HR policies and practices, encouraging a more holistic approach to employee satisfaction and organizational success.
