1 in 4 managers feel like imposters at work: report

New report finds managers feel unsupported, lack appropriate training

1 in 4 managers feel like imposters at work: report

One in four managers in New Zealand feel like an imposter in their role amid a lack of training and support in the workplace, according to a new survey from Robert Walters.

The survey, reported by Radio New Zealand, polled more than 2,000 white-collar employees to determine the challenges faced by managers.

It found that 26% of the respondents feel like an imposter in their role, according to the report.

It comes as 44% of the respondents said they do not have appropriate training for the job and 32% saying they feel unsupported.

Another 20% said they feel overwhelmed and overworked, with only 22% of the respondents saying they feel empowered and supported in their managerial role.

Shay Peters, chief executive of Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand, attributed the lack of support to workplaces not yet fully adapting to the needs of a post-pandemic, hybrid workforce, as well as the incorporation of a new generation in the workforce.

Peters stressed the need for businesses to consider if their people have the ability to lead, as 43% of employees choose to leave due to management.

Unofficial managers increasing

Meanwhile, the report also found that more than 200 workers have been taking on management responsibilities unofficially, RNZ reported.

According to the report, this includes mentoring and supervisory duties without any official announcement, job title modification, or increase in compensation.

"This trend appears to be more prominent in recent times due to businesses being forced to reduce headcount and thrusting subject matter experts into management roles to fill gaps," Peters said.