NEWS COPY
By Emma Elsworthy
More than one third of the British workforce is convinced they could do a better job than their boss, according to research.
The shocking figure emerged from a study carried out among 2,000 employees, with almost one in five admitting they HATE their manager.
Two in five don’t think their superior is good at their job, one in 10 think they are ‘arrogant’ or ‘two-faced’, and more than one fifth admitted they have ‘no respect’ for their boss.
Sixty-two per cent have left a role and more than half have considered looking for a new job – just to get away from their manager.
Commissioned by international animal charity SPANA - http://www.spana.org/ - the research also identified the traits of a bad boss – including mood swings, never saying thank you and being work shy.
Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of SPANA, which provides free veterinary treatment to working animals in developing countries around the world, said: “Having a boss you struggle to get on with can certainly be a source of annoyance and stress.
"And it’s clear that many people have had bad experiences at some point in their careers.
“But there are many good managers out there who look after their employees and ensure their working conditions are acceptable – which most working animals overseas, sadly, do not get.
"These working horses, donkeys and camels often endure arduous lives, carrying backbreaking loads in dangerous conditions - that’s why this forgotten workforce desperately needs our help.”
The worst characteristic of the boss – highlighted by one fifth of employees – is a failure to communicate clearly what they want.
Second spot went to inconsistency – one minute demanding tasks be done one way and then insisting they be done differently the next.
Other frustrations include delegating too much work, taking credit for the success of others, and being unable to take a joke – despite happily dishing banter out.
Annoying catchphrases, an awful dress sense and never reciprocating in the office tea round were other common annoyances shared by workers about their bosses.
The research also found that one fifth of those polled think their boss is the single worst thing about their current role – even worse than the dreaded commute.
Furthermore, more than one third admitted to being ‘delighted’ upon arriving at work and realising their boss is unexpectedly out for the day.
And one in four even confessed to looking forward to their boss’ holidays more than their own.
Geoffrey Dennis added: “A bad boss can clearly have a major impact on job satisfaction, but thankfully many workers in Britain have a reasonable working environment and job security.
“The same can’t be said about working animals worldwide. These animals support the livelihoods of around one billion of the world’s poorest people.
"However, despite their importance, they often lead short, painful lives, without basic necessities and vital veterinary treatment they urgently need when they are sick or injured.
“SPANA is working to ensure that working animals in developing countries have access to the vet care they urgently need when they are sick or injured.
“The charity also educates owners about how to best care for their working animals. Most owners in developing countries value their animals highly.
"They are not bad ‘bosses’, but poverty and a lack of knowledge about animal care can mean that the welfare of these animals is unintentionally neglected.
"But equipping owners with the right skills and knowledge can make a huge difference – helping ensure that working animals can live a life free from suffering.”
TRAITS OF A BAD BOSS - TOP 50:
1. Doesn't communicate well
2. I think they're inconsistent
3. Sets their own rules
4. Doesn't understand my work
5. I think they're incompetent
6. Patronises me
7. Sets a bad example
8. Never says thank you
9. Says one thing and does another
10. Has mood swings
11. I think they're passive aggressive
12. Brings their personal life to work
13. Obviously favours another member of staff
14. Makes me feel stupid
15. Delegates too much work to me
16. Never gives praise or feedback
17. Doesn't actually do any work
18. Assumes I'm happy to do their work as well as my own
19. I think they're overpaid
20. They think I'm a mind reader
21. I think they're tight with pay rises
22. Sucks up to their own boss
23. Takes credit for other people's work
24. Gives out banter but can't take it
25. Makes me feel guilty for taking time off
26. Doesn't have my back
27. Leaves early every day
28. I think they're tight with bonuses
29. I think they're unqualified for the job
30. Works from home all the time
31. Always picks on one member of staff
32. Has annoying catchphrases
33. Has bad breath
34. Calls me in the evening when I'm not working
35. Listens in to everyone's conversations in the office
36. Repeats the same phrases and jokes over and over again
37. Tells me off in front of everyone instead of in a meeting room
38. Asks for my opinion then claims it as their own
39. Calls me at weekends when I'm not working
40. Makes unfunny jokes
41. Expects everyone to turn up on time when they're always late
42. Awful dress sense
43. Blames me for things they've done wrong
44. Calls me when I'm on holiday
45. Always talks about previous successes
46. Farts
47. I think they're very scruffy
48. Always expects a tea but never/rarely makes one themselves
49. I think they're sexist
50. Bores everyone with their holiday photos and anecdotes
ENDS
