Employee feedback on management can reduce workplace stress
Telling your boss what you think of them can lead to a reduction in workplace stress, according to new research.
The study, co-funded by the Health & Safety Executive, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Investors in People (IIP), focused on the relationship between line managers and employees, which has been found to be the most commonly reported cause of stress in the workplace.
In order to examine this relationship, 150 managers were asked to rate their own management skills, while 500 employees were asked to rate their managers’ management skills. The participants worked in five sectors: central government, local government, education, health care, and private finance.
The managers were then split into two groups, with one group was allowed to view the feedback from their staff, and the other group received no feedback. The study found that the managers who received feedback were more likely to change their management style, and subsequently be seen as more effective line managers.
Occupational psychologist, Emma Donaldson-Feilder, from Affinity Health at Work, presented the findings at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology Annual Conference. She hopes the research will show the benefit of receiving feedback from employees, which can help reduce conflict and stress in the workplace. She said: “Stress is a significant cause of sickness absence and this puts pressure on those left behind to run the business, creating a cycle of uncomfortable pressure with costs to the individual and to the company.
“Without holding a mirror up to a person, they can have blind spots about how they come across and if they think they are already good enough, why should they change.”
An HSE spokesman added: “The research is part of ongoing research into improving people management skills of line managers to help them manage work-related stress. We believe the findings will help develop the management competency framework with CIPD and IIP to assist managers in dealing with work-related stress.”
Workplace stress expert Professor Cary Cooper believes the research will prove to be useful. He said: “The positive effects of doing this are that managers can get direct feedback from their workforce which will help them develop and improve their management style. In addition, if done correctly, at the right time and in the right circumstances, a better relationship between boss and employee can be forged.”
Employee feedback on management can reduce workplace stress
Telling your boss what you think of them can lead to a reduction in workplace stress, according to new research.
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