Aussie managers “on the brink of exhaustion” as workplace rift with leaders widens

A first-of-its-kind study of more than 1000 Australian managers has revealed the vast majority believe there is a growing rift between them and their business leader counterparts – and it could blindside companies if it isn’t resolved.

An increase in workloads, a profit-first mentality and feelings of inadequacy when it comes to supporting their teams have been cited as the reasons for the rift, according to the study by global benefits and rewards platform Perkbox Australia. 

Conducted by strategic insight agency Opinium on behalf of Perkbox in April 2024, the research looked at the middle-management structure within companies and included responses from more than 1000 Australian workplace managers, many of which report to the C-suite.

Perkbox Australia acting country manager Andrew Wilkins told SmartCompany the study is giving a voice to managers across Australia, who are facing significant challenges as the cost of living escalates and employee needs evolve.

“Managers are teetering on the brink of exhaustion and having to do more with less,” he says. 

“However, despite the strain, many are actively equipping themselves with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the workplace. 

Wilkins says Perkbox research shows the managers are mostly struggling from “a glaring absence of support in the workplace”.

“Many...