A recent survey reveals a significant disconnect between how UK managers perceive their performance and how their employees view them, highlighting serious challenges in leadership and
mental health support. Conducted by Unmind, a leading provider of workplace mental health solutions, the study shows that more than two-thirds (67%) of UK employees have either left or considered leaving their job due to poor management. This finding underscores the pressing need for organisations to invest in better management training to bridge the growing gap between managers and their teams.
The research, which surveyed 3,005 office workers, including 1,500 managers and 1,505 employees, uncovers a stark contrast in how each group experiences workplace stress and mental health support. Nearly half (46%) of employees reported feeling uncomfortable discussing mental health issues with their manager, and a quarter expressed concern that speaking up about mental health could hurt their career prospects. Additionally, 32% of employees admitted they would lie about their mental health, citing a physical illness instead, to take time off.
Despite 83% of managers reporting they had undergone formal leadership training, only 63% of employees felt their supervisors were adequately trained. This points to a lack of confidence in managerial capabilities, with 40% of UK workers doubting their manager’s ability to perform effectively, and 57% believing managers need further training.
A Gap in Competence and Perspective
The survey revealed a significant gap between the skills managers believe they need and those employees consider most important. Managers identified hard skills like delegation (29%), providing feedback (26%), and organisation (25%) as areas for improvement. However, employees highlighted soft skills as more crucial, with 32% citing listening and 30% pointing to motivation as the top skills their managers lacked.
Listening, in particular, stood out as a major issue, with 32% of employees viewing it as a key weakness in their managers. By contrast, only 18% of managers saw listening as a significant shortcoming, reflecting a clear disconnect in perceptions of effective leadership. Dr. Nick Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Unmind, commented, “Many managers find themselves in leadership roles without any formal training – they’re essentially accidental bosses. Our research highlights the profound impact managers can have on employees’ mental health, making it essential for organisations to address this managerial skills gap.”
Mental Health Still a Taboo Topic
The survey also reveals widespread discomfort among UK employees when it comes to discussing mental health with their managers. While 71% of managers felt comfortable talking about mental health, only 54% of employees shared that confidence. A quarter of employees reported feeling uneasy discussing mental health issues at work, and a third (32%) said they would lie about their mental health needs due to concerns about job security.
This discomfort extends to company culture as well, with 35% of employees saying their organisation does not support mental health effectively. Without adequate support, many workers disengage or resort to “quiet quitting,” which ultimately affects productivity and employee retention.
Closing the Skills Gap: The Path Forward
The consensus from the survey is clear: more management training is needed. Around 42% of all participants agreed that additional training would improve managerial effectiveness, particularly when it comes to handling employee absences and addressing mental health and stress. A notable 74% of managers believe that further training in people management would help them better support their teams.
Unmind’s research shows that even an hour of digital mental health training can significantly boost managers' confidence, knowledge, and proactivity when it comes to mental health issues. As Dr. Taylor noted, “With the right training, managers can create supportive work environments where mental health and wellbeing are prioritized, allowing employees to thrive.”
For UK businesses, this data is a wake-up call. Companies not only need to ensure their managers are equipped with the necessary skills, but they must also foster a workplace culture that encourages open discussions about mental health. Failure to act could lead to disengaged employees, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. Photo by Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia commons.
