Just over a quarter of UK workers have no respect for their managers, while just under half fail to find them motivational, with staff in the North East of England being most disillusioned.

 
These are the findings of a survey undertaken among 2,031 adults by pollster ICM on behalf of the People 1st Training Company, which is part of the People 1st sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries.
 
The study also revealed that 23% of respondents did not like their managers. Some 27% complained that they were talked down to, while nearly half felt that their superiors had failed to help them develop their careers. A further 39% were unhappy that supervisors did not provide them with constructive criticism and 36% that they did not give clear instructions.
 
Sharon Glancy, director of the People 1st Training Company, said: “Inevitably, the way that people feel about their business influences the way in which they engage and interact with customers. There is strong evidence to suggest that effective employee engagement improves job satisfaction, organisational commitment and empowerment and has a positive impact on business performance.”
 
On the other hand, poor management and communication skills had a negative effect on loyalty, morale, performance and productivity. “For a business to perform consistently well, it needs a steady stream of effective leaders. Failing to develop and nurture staff indicates short-term thinking amongst a significant number of managers,” she added.
 
On a more positive note, just under three quarters of those questioned felt that their boss recognised their contribution at work, while 68% believed that they were accessible, with the figure rising to 74% in Wales.
 
But there were strong regional variations in terms of engagement. Workers in the North East disliked their bosses most (37%), while those in the South West like them best (85%).