Report: Managers appreciate their job – but stress and drinking habits stand out when asked about their health

– Being a manager today means high demands and expectations from both management and employees. But managers are also employees with the right to a sustainable work environment, says Lena-Karin Allinger, psychologist and organisational consultant at Falck (formerly Previa).

In the report "How is the boss?", Falck (formerly Previa) has mapped out the health and well-being of managers in particular, but also looked at how the well-being of managers and employees differs. The survey is based on 4,256 health and work environment profiles conducted with managers from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, nationwide. The comparisons with employees are based on 23,934 health and work environment profiles conducted during the same period.

The report shows that managers rate their health slightly better than employees do in most areas. Managers generally feel that they are doing meaningful and stimulating work. In a comparison of eight different areas, managers report better well-being than employees in six of them. This applies to general health status, exercise, musculoskeletal problems, overall social and organizational work environment, sleep, and energy levels. However, in two areas, managers report responses that fall more within the risk level than employees. More managers than employees report stress that may pose a health risk, and more managers than employees report alcohol-related behaviour that may indicate risky drinking for the individual.

In the social and organizational work environment, managers report that many aspects are functioning well. At the same time, there are clear challenges. The areas where managers experience the greatest shortcomings are those that are largely concern matters that "come from above." The three areas within the social and organizational work environment where managers perceive the greatest shortcomings are "receiving timely information regarding important decisions, changes, and future plans", "receiving support from their immediate manager when needed", and " experiencing challenges in keeping up with their workload".

– When managers struggle to keep up, it can have significant effects on the entire organisation. It becomes an inherent systemic issue that causes new problems. That's why it's important to create organisational conditions that enable managers to 'be leaders', says Lena-Karin Allinger.

In total, 36% of managers experience stress at a level that may pose health risks. The corresponding figure for employees is 30%. The fact that managers have a harder time completing their tasks than employees is likely a contributing factor to the higher stress levels experienced by managers. Over half of the managers report having difficulty relaxing. The report also shows that the managerial role comes with higher stress, regardless of educational level.

– Being a manager today involves an enormous amount of pressure and demands from senior management and from employees alike. The perception of constantly being available limits the opportunity for recovery and rest, says Lena-Karin Allinger.

Regarding alcohol, more managers than employees report alcohol consumption that may indicate risky drinking behavior for the individual.The difference between managers and employees seems to show that the managerial role has as great an impact on alcohol habits as educational level does.

The report "How is the boss?" also shows that managers without high stress levels still report responses that may indicate risky drinking behavior for the individual to a greater extent than employees—regardless of stress level.

About the report

The report "How is the boss?" is based on 4,256 health and work environment profiles conducted with managers from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, nationwide. Comparisons with employees are based on 23,934 health and work environment profiles conducted during the same period.

Health and work environment profiles are a mapping tool that addresses lifestyle habits, musculoskeletal problems, well-being, and the social and organizational work environment. Respondents answer a series of questions, providing individuals with insights into how lifestyle habits, physical complaints, fitness, and work environment impact their well-being. The health and work environment profile offer a broad health perspective with a focus on what can improve health for both the individual and the organization.

Being a manager today entails high demands and expectations from both management and employees. Sustainable leadership is crucial for the overall well-being of the organisation. Therefore, it's important to prioritize the well-being of managers.