New research from global staffing firm Robert Half suggests there’s truth to the saying, “People leave managers, not companies.” About half of professionals surveyed (49%) have quit a job due to a bad boss.
Among the 28 U.S. cities in the study, Sacramento (66%), Miami and Tampa (58% each) had the most workers who departed because they didn’t like their supervisor.
“We’ve all heard horror stories about difficult managers — or experienced one firsthand,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half. “Work styles and how well a person gets along with their supervisor can determine whether someone decides to join or remain at a company.”
McDonald added, “Many times open communication and training can help to resolve issues and strengthen the professional relationship between bosses and their direct reports. Employers should also commit to regularly gathering feedback on managers and developing the skills of new or potential leaders.”
Additional findings:
- Minneapolis (36%), Atlanta (39%), Boston and Philadelphia (40% each) have the fewest numbers of employees surveyed who have quit over a bad boss.
- More professionals ages 18 to 34 (54%) have resigned due to a manager than respondents ages 35 to 54 (49%) and 55 and older (41%).
