Surging pressures lead to unprecedented drop in US employee sentiment, with middle managers hardest hit
February saw the confidence of middle managers in the US plummet to its lowest level on record, contributing to a significant drop in overall employee sentiment across industries.
Daniel Zhao, an economist at Glassdoor, highlighted the intense pressure middle managers face, tasked with achieving more while having fewer resources. This has aligned their confidence levels closely with those of entry-level workers, who also experienced a seven-year low in confidence last month.
The Glassdoor Employee Confidence Index revealed that across all job ranks, confidence has fallen to 45.1 percent, the lowest since data collection began in 2016.
An anonymous review from a mid-level employee reflected the toll these demands can take, mentioning several months were needed to recover from the role's intensity upon leaving their firm.
Middle managers find themselves in a challenging position, tasked with overseeing junior staff while also being accountable to senior executives, making them particularly susceptible to burnout.
Recent job cuts in major companies have often targeted middle management roles. This includes tech giants like Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc., aiming to streamline operations. Additionally, these cuts address rising labor costs.
United Parcel Service Inc.'s announcement to eliminate 12,000 management jobs early in 2024 serves as evidence of this trend.
These layoffs, driven by a focus on productivity and efficiency, have inadvertently led to a spike in hiring practices that are now being reversed, with companies laying off staff to reduce costs.
Glassdoor reviews indicate a significant increase in layoff mentions, especially within the tech and media sectors, reflecting a broader trend of diminishing confidence among employees who remain, concerned about their future and that of their employers.
