A quarter of British managers have observed an increase in demands from their team members over the past year, according to a new study by Perkbox Vivup, the global platform focused on benefits, engagement, and employee wellbeing.
While this shift presents challenges for management, many see it as a reflection of workers becoming more aware of their value in the workplace.
The report highlights that 25 percent of British managers have noted the rising demands from employees, prompting the need for more adaptive management strategies.
However, 75 percent of managers believe that a more diverse team environment necessitates varied approaches to management, a trend they see as beneficial to overall business performance.
Notably, 88 percent of managers agree that fostering authenticity among team members has led to heightened creativity and innovation.
Embracing Individuality in the Workplace
To better align with employees’ evolving needs, many managers are shifting towards personalised management styles. Over half (53%) of respondents said they directly ask their team members what they need to be supported effectively. Additionally, 49 percent are collaborating with their teams to set individualised career and development goals, reinforcing the importance of a bespoke approach to leadership.
This personalised management style has contributed to significant positive outcomes in the workplace. A large majority of managers (85%) reported that this tailored approach has strengthened their relationships with their teams, with 86 percent noting it has helped employees feel more valued. Furthermore, 87 percent believe it has boosted employee engagement and satisfaction.
The Importance of a Tailored Management Approach
Despite the positive impacts, there are still gaps in the resources available to managers. Less than half (46%) of respondents say they have access to a variety of rewards that can be customised to meet the diverse needs of their team members. Additionally, 66 percent of managers express a desire for greater access to personalised perks and benefits for their employees to further support their well-being and individuality.
Doug Butler, CEO of Perkbox Vivup, emphasised the importance of empowering managers to nurture diversity within their teams. “Encouraging individuality in the workplace brings clear benefits such as increased creativity, innovation, and a more satisfied workforce,” Butler said. “For businesses to fully capitalise on these advantages, leaders must provide the tools that enable managers to support this diversity. Offering broader access to personalised engagement, benefits, and well-being solutions helps ensure each team member feels recognised and celebrated for their unique contributions.”
As workers continue to expect more personalised support in the workplace, the research suggests that businesses must adapt to these demands in order to foster a thriving, diverse, and engaged workforce.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
