There are too many managers
Have we reached peak boss? Over two-thirds of employees globally say they have to check in with more than one manager to do their jobs, The Wall Street Journal reports. All of those layers of approval can waste a lot of time. Meanwhile, bosses are spread thin, managing an average of nine direct reports, up from five in 2008. One consequence is that "only 35% employees surveyed in the Gartner poll last year say their manager understands their day-to-day work." What might help? Managers can set clear goals and communicate consistently about shifting priorities. And employees can propose adjustments to inefficient processes and reclaim some of that lost time.