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Understanding the Gap: Insights from a Recent Survey

In a groundbreaking survey conducted by MENTAGRAPH, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco, between December 3rd and December 17th, 2024, the perceptions of over 1,800 Japanese professionals were analyzed. The survey revealed troubling discrepancies between the views of management and non-management employees regarding workplace policies and expectations. The results indicate that only 13% of non-management staff actually admire their bosses. This article delves into the understandings and misunderstandings reflected in the survey.

Recognizing the Gap in Understanding Company Policies

One of the critical findings of this survey was the stark difference in understanding of company policies between management and non-management tier employees. A question asking respondents if they understood the current company policies revealed that only 15.8% of management claimed to fully understand them, while this number was a stark 9.0% for non-management employees. When factoring in those who somewhat understood, these percentages shifted to 58.6% for management and 41.4% for non-management—a notable 17.2-point difference.

Furthermore, concerning the implementation of company policies in daily tasks, approximately 43.8% of management affirmed they were conscious of these policies, compared to only 32.8% of non-management employees. This indicates that management is not only more aware but also more likely to act upon company policies.

A Disconnect in Motivation and Engagement

An additional aspect was the motivational gap. When asked whether they felt positively toward achieving the company's objectives, 39.3% of management responded affirmatively against only 28.0% of non-management personnel. This disparity could suggest that non-management employees lack the necessary context or coherence regarding how their roles align with overarching corporate goals, possibly leading to feelings of disconnection from the company's mission.

Expectations and Support in Management

Moving beyond understanding company directives, the survey also examined the expectations non-management employees have of their managers. Data revealed that non-management individuals tend to seek more direct assistance. For instance, 46.9% believed managers should preemptively teach them aspects they might not understand, versus 34.9% of management who felt similarly. Moreover, 40.3% of non-management employees believed that managers should take more hands-on approaches in teaching, as opposed to only 31.5% from management.

The demand for personalized task assignment was similarly skewed—55.7% of non-management respondents expected tailored consideration in their duties compared to 48.1% of management. This clearly shows a desire for closer guidance and tailored support among non-management staff, which is not fully recognized by managers.

The Need for Improved Managerial Support

Interestingly, the survey indicated significant differences in priorities when it comes to managerial support. Management tends to prioritize setting goals and monitoring progress, yet non-management employees showed lower concern for these areas—31.7% and 33.3% respectively. This divergence portrays a landscape where management's supportive actions may not align with what employees find meaningful or necessary.

The impact of this disconnect is profound, as only 13% of non-management employees expressed admiration for their bosses, highlighting a widespread feeling of unmet expectations.

Moving Forward: Bridging the Understanding Gap

In conclusion, the survey conducted by MENTAGRAPH underscores a substantial disconnect in perceptions between management and non-management sectors within organizations. As both parties often act with the best of intentions, the variances in fundamental expectations can lead to significant miscommunications, stress, and unrest in the workplace. To cultivate a positive working environment, it is crucial for companies to recognize and visualize these gaps, establishing corrective measures and opportunities for dialogue. By aligning expectations and fostering mutual understanding, organizations can enhance overall management quality and employee satisfaction.

About MENTAGRAPH

MENTAGRAPH is committed to visualizing the mental well-being of workers, promoting appropriate rest, and advocating optimal management practices through its "Mental Battery" services. Founded within the corporate R&D organization of Japan Tobacco (JT), MENTAGRAPH aims to revolutionize workplace mental well-being through innovative and ongoing support systems. Their primary products include wearable sensors, app-driven recommendations for breaks, and dashboard monitoring to better assess organizational stress levels, thus contributing to employee satisfaction and peak performance.