Three Steps for Managing a Stressful Relationship with Your Boss

Did you know that your relationship with your boss can impact your health and well-being? It’s true. In fact, nearly six in ten employees are disengaged from work or fell in the category of “quietly quitting.” In addition, 44% of employees said they experienced stress according to the  Gallup State of Global Workplace: 2023 Report.

When it comes to job satisfaction, supervisors play a bigger role than one might think. Interpersonal relationships with management are the top factor in employees’ job satisfaction, which in turn is the second most important driver of an employee’s overall well-being.

According to a 2020 life satisfaction study by McKinsey & Company, only mental health is more important for overall life satisfaction. Unfortunately, McKinsey’s research on happiness at work, also shows that most people find their managers to be far from ideal. Sadly, according to a recent survey, 75 percent of survey participants said that the most stressful aspect of their job was their immediate boss.

That begs the question. What do you do if you are unhappy in your current situation? Before you jump ship consider the following. 

1. Talk to your boss. Sounds obvious? You bet. However, you wouldn’t believe how many times people have said that when they handed in their resignation, their bosses said, “I wish I had known you were unhappy. I would have liked the opportunity to try to work things out.” Remember, bosses are human too and you don’t know what is going on in their work or personal life that may be impacting their relationship with you.
2. Solicit input from other trusted parties. When trying to diagnose an illness it often helps to get a second opinion, right? Take some time and talk to people that you trust either insider or outside your organization. Sometimes your human resources representative can be of help but keep in mind that he/she is there to protect the best interests of the company, including your boss. If there isn’t anyone that you feel comfortable talking to, then invest in a coaching relationship. That way you will be assured objective, confidential advice.
3. Consider your options. Would it be possible to leverage your skills and experience by taking another position internally? Often there are many opportunities available that would help get you out of an uncomfortable situation until you figure out your next step. Plus, who knows? Maybe your boss will wind up leaving. If not, then it may be time to put together your resume and network for external opportunities.

As talent becomes scarce and employers take a closer look at the impact that bosses have on employees, the boss-subordinate relationship will likely get a closer look particularly as it relates to productivity, and health and well-being in the workplace. Until then, by taking these positive actions you will already be well on your way to better health, a better relationship with your boss and who knows, maybe even a better job.

What are you waiting for?

Regina
“Dream Big. Take Action. Make It Happen.”
Owner, Red Ladder, Inc.
Founder, Women at the Top® (WATT®) Network