New report reveals nearly half of New Zealand employees prefer to keep their distance
Nearly half of employees in New Zealand prefer having clear boundaries between them and their bosses while at work, according to a new survey from Frog Recruitment.
The poll, which surveyed 977 employees, found that 46% of the respondents preferred clear boundaries at work.
However, another 36% said it would make them happier and motivate them to work harder.
These positive sentiments were stronger among younger employees, aged 19-34 (36%), than those already aged between 35 and 49 (33%), and those aged 50 and above (31%), according to the report.
Shannon Barlow, managing director at Frog Recruitment, pointed out that being friends with bosses can influence fairness in the workplace.
"One of the potential perils of becoming too close with your manager is that it can impact their ability to manage you fairly," she said in a statement.
This concern is also reflected in the workforce, with 41% of the respondents saying being friends with bosses "can cause biases." Another 45%, however, noted that it will "depend on the boss."
But fairness isn't the only thing that can influence the way employees and bosses connect with each other at work, according to the report.
Respondents were also in agreement that generational differences impact workplace relationships with bosses. They were divided, however, on whether this influence is a positive one (37%) or a negative one (37%).
In the wake of these concerns, Barlow pointed out that the bigger problem when it comes to workplace friendships is really about managers being stuck in a "unique position."
"They're expected to provide support to their team, but they sometimes miss out on having their own trusted peers to turn to," she said. "They may be cognizant of finding the right balance between bonding with the team and having real friendships while not playing favourites, or venting about sensitive business challenges."
According to Barlow, it will be crucial for organisations to foster a culture where employees and managers are supported in order to enhance work-life for the workforce.
"Ultimately, fostering an environment where employees and managers alike feel supported and connected is key to workplace satisfaction and mental wellbeing," she said.
