New report reveals the influential role of managers in retaining employees
Managers play a crucial role in an employee's overall experience in the workplace, according to a new survey, in the wake of recent reports that this cohort is gradually disappearing in organisations.
Findings from Aerotek's latest poll among over 3,500 jobseekers revealed the impact of managers on employee satisfaction and retention in an organisation.
It found that managers who support an employee's career growth influenced the job satisfaction of 31% of the respondents. Other managerial qualities that also influenced job satisfaction include:
- Fosters a respectful workplace (27%)
- Provides performance feedback (24%)
- Displays trust in the company's mission (18%)
Meanwhile, the report further found 37% of workers left their shortest-tenured job due to poor company culture or managerial relationships.
It also revealed that 32% would likely leave a position due to a poor relationship with their manager and that they are primarily looking for supervisors who support career growth.
"Our survey also shows that leaders who create an inclusive and transparent work environment are more likely to manage highly satisfied teams," the report read.
"Hiring and developing managers who display a collection of interpersonal soft skills like communication, empathy, and transparency is a growing necessity for employers," the Aerotek report said.
Trend of disappearing managers
The findings come amid reports that middle managers are disappearing in workplaces as organisations aim to flatten their workforce and streamline their operations.
A 2025 Korn Ferry Workforce survey previously revealed that 41% of employees belong to firms that cut management layers.
Previous reports also indicated that firms such as Google, Target, Air Canada, and Canada Post have cut management positions as part of their restructuring plans.
This trend of disappearing managers can have huge consequences for organisations and their overall retention strategies.
Other factors in retention
But the Aerotek report highlighted that retention is not dependent on a single factor, but on other factors as well.
Its Job Seekers Survey showed that nearly a quarter of employees also left their shortest-tenured job due to the lack of potential for career advancement (24%) and inadequate pay (23%).
Another 16% cited the lack of opportunities to add new skills.
"Organisations that take a comprehensive approach — addressing culture, managerial relationships, pay, opportunities for advancement and skill development — are more likely to keep top talent and boost engagement in the short and long term," the report read.
"This focus on multiple factors lays the groundwork for company cultures that emphasise purpose, support, and advancement."
