New study links bad bosses with greater work intensity
Work intensity is significantly higher under poor line managers, according to new research led by Bayes Business School (City St George's, University of London) that could have strong implications for global occupational health and productivity. The study is published in the Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society.
Recent research from Bayes Business School suggests a strong correlation between poor line management and increased work intensity among employees. This new study, published in Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, draws from European and American working conditions surveys, revealing that management quality significantly impacts the perceived workload experienced by employees.
Professor Hans Frankort, the lead researcher, defined work intensity as the amount of effort required per unit of working time, emphasizing its impact on job satisfaction and occupational health. The study found that consistently operating at high intensity can lead to mental and physical fatigue, exhaustion, and deteriorating well-being. In the UK specifically, the research highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of intensity and reducing workloads during peak periods to mitigate the risk of burnout.
The findings suggest that better training for managers could improve their ability to recognize work intensity, ultimately helping employees avoid negative mental health outcomes and maintain productivity. Better managers tend to provide more respect, recognition, support, feedback, and development, leading to lower work intensity scores. This relationship remains consistent even when managerial changes occur within the same employer, and it is stronger in smaller, private, and nonunionized settings.
Managers play a crucial role in mitigating work intensity, with higher perceived line-manager quality associated with lower work intensity. The research underscores the need for managers to provide additional resources, encourage regular breaks, and ensure adequate vacation time. By doing so, they can help prevent overworking, reduce burnout, and enhance overall workforce productivity.
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