https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/this-trendy-management-structure-harms-workplace-communication-a-survey-says/91233834
Fully 38 percent of survey respondents said that since their company experienced layoffs, their manager had become less accessible. This has had consequences: 30 percent of people said they’d felt less support when things were disrupted or changed, 34 percent expected they’ll lose a sense of connection and 30 percent expected decreased or zero access for mentorship and career development options.
Employees also don’t trust senior leaders, with nearly 40 percent saying they can’t get mentorship or guidance from upper management, 37 percent saying they feel unheard by the top leaders, and only 47 percent agreeing that their company leadership is “somewhat” transparent.
This paints an interesting picture of how the average U.S. worker views their management, relying on their direct supervisors while apparently distrusting upper layers of company leadership. The report quotes Firstup CEO Bill Schuh, who explained that the data show workers see middle managers as critical for “translating organizational priorities into action, clarity, and connection for their direct report.”
As companies shed middle managers, they risk losing this vital link, which can leave frontline workers feeling lost and unsupported. That discontent will likely diminish their engagement with their work, and could reduce their productivity. Meanwhile Schuh also noted that stripping managers out adds strain on their remaining colleagues. That means companies are “asking fewer managers to do more, and that simply is not sustainable,” he said. While AI is useful for handling some mundane managerial tasks, it “won’t replace the human connection and leadership that great managers provide.”