Professional and managerial staff are often overwhelmed
According to a survey by the BWA Academy, many specialists and managers are overburdened with their area of responsibility and the prevailing work pressure. In addition, three quarters of companies motivate their staff and managers too little.
Many specialists and managers are overwhelmed by their responsibilities and the prevailing work pressure. This is the result of a survey conducted by Deutsche BWA Academy among 100 predominantly medium-sized companies. More than two-thirds (68 percent) of the companies surveyed believe that large sections of their workforce are overworked. A quarter even admit to being "severely overworked". Only 11 percent of the companies disagree with the statement "not true. In almost three quarters (74 percent) of the companies, there is a lack of motivational measures for specialists and managers.
The BWA survey identified the following as the main reasons for dissatisfaction among employees (multiple answers were requested): no support for training and development (79 percent), inflexible working hours (78 percent), inadequate pay (67 percent) and ongoing restructuring within the company (64 percent).
Excessive demands exacerbate the shortage of P&MS
"All these factors exacerbate the shortage of skilled workers and managers, which more than 90 percent of all companies are already suffering from," emphasizes BWA Managing Director Harald Müller. He explains: "Companies are urgently advised to professionalize the further training of their workforce, to better integrate older employees, to pay greater attention to the advancement of women in the company, to attach more importance to the work-life balance and to place greater emphasis on employee motivation and professional recognition."
Working atmosphere plays a key role
The survey found that the way managers treat their staff plays a key role. 98 percent of companies expect their managers to show clear appreciation for their employees. 87 percent attach importance to responsible cooperation, which 84 percent believe should encourage employees to work independently. Cooperative (75 percent), helpful (73 percent), demanding (71 percent) and friendly (67 percent) dealings continue to be in demand. Always "easy-going" and "relaxed" are considered to be the right basic mood by 64 percent and 51 percent of respondents, respectively.
However, "just being nice" is not enough for the companies' working atmosphere. Fifty-seven percent of the companies surveyed also expect their managers to be strict, and 41 percent expect authority when communicating with the workforce.
Managers are neglected
The BWA Academy wanted to find out how well managers are supported in their leadership tasks as part of the survey. Far too little, admit 78 percent of the companies contacted. Only 18 percent of the companies provide their managers with sufficient support.
"Companies that neglect their management levels should not be surprised if this neglect spreads throughout the entire company. Those who do not experience any promotion themselves usually show little willingness to promote others," clarifies BWA boss Harald Müller. He explains: "Although 89 percent of companies have taken up the cause of coaching their managers, not even half of all companies invest sufficiently in coaching. 91 percent of companies are aware of the importance of work-life balance in the workforce. But for very few companies, this awareness is expressed in concrete measures to improve the situation. Recognizing problems is an important step. But it's equally important to then address and solve those problems."
Source: BWA Academy
