Knowledge Center: HR Middle Management - View from Middle Management

Thursday, November 20, 2008

HR Middle Management - View from Middle Management

While you're leading the "glamorous" life of a training professional, ever wonder what your company's middle managers think of their own job roles? You might not know them as well as you think you do. Among other findings, "Middle Managers Outlook," new research from Accenture, reveals many of your mid-ranking workers are at least as strained as your executives by the volatile economy. Here are some key points from the study:

• Nearly One-Half of Middle Managers In The U.S. are Extremely Or Very Satisfied with Working At Their Current Organizations. Just over half are not highly satisfied, including almost one in ten who are dissatisfied.

• Job Dissatisfaction Stems Primarily From Insufficient Pay or benefits and the lack of prospects for advancement.

• Insufficient Compensation Topped The List For The Most Frustrating Aspects Of The Job. In addition, more than one-third of middle managers are frustrated by their increasing workload, particularly middle managers in larger companies.

• Two-thirds of middle managers would consider another job, but are not actively looking. Another one in 10 are actively looking for a new job. Among those actively seeking or considering a new job, two-thirds cite pay or benefits as the top reason.

• Almost One In Ten Middle Managers Cite Salary Compensation As The Most Important Thing they look for when considering a new job. Roughly two-thirds seek benefits and interesting or challenging work, and more than half look for flexible work hours.

• Overall, Middle Managers Feel the State Of The Economy Is Having Some Effect On Their Job-Related Decisions, with most saying they would like a new job but will stay in their current position until the economy improves. More than one-quarter are taking steps to improve the security of their jobs, such as working harder or longer hours.

• Just Under One-Third Of Middle Managers Say The Economy Is Not Affecting Their Job.

• Similar to the economy's effect on job-related decisions, almost Two-Thirds Of Middle Managers Say The Economy Is Having A Negative Effect On Their Work Environment, mentioning that employees are concerned about losing their jobs and are demonstrating low morale. Notably, approximately 3 in 10 middle managers say the economy is having no effect on their work environment.

• Only About 3 In 10 Middle Managers Say Their Employers Have Taken Steps To Help Employees Cope With The Weak Economy. And, more than two-thirds of middle managers feel their employers could do more to help employees cope with the weak economy.