Third of UK workers believe they could do their boss’s job better than them, research finds

Sixty-two per cent have left roles and more than half considered looking for new employment just to get away from their manager, says study

A bad work environment can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety and even depression (File photo) (Shutterstock)

More than one-third of the British workforce are convinced they could do a better job than their boss, according to research.

In a study carried out among 2,000 employees, almost one in five workers also admitted they hated their manager.

Two in five did not think their superior was good at their job, one in 10 thought they were "arrogant’" or "two-faced" and more than one fifth admitted they had "no respect" for their boss.

Sixty-two per cent had left a role and more than half had considered looking for a new job to get away from their manager.

Commissioned by international animal charity SPANA, the research also identified the traits of a bad boss. They included 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, was 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 included delegating too much work, taking credit for the success of others and being unable to take a joke, despite happily joking themselves.

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 thought their boss was the single worst thing about their current role, even worse than their commute.

Furthermore, more than one-third admitted to being "delighted" upon arriving at work and realising their boss was 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 the 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.”

Top 50 traits of a bad boss

1. Doesn’t communicate well

2. Inconsistency

3. Sets their own rules

4. Doesn’t understand the work of their employees

5. Incompetence

6. Patronises staff

7. Sets a bad example

8. Never says thank you

9. Says one thing and does another

10. Has mood swings

11. Passive aggressive

12. Brings their personal life to work

13. Obviously favours another member of staff

14. Makes staff feel stupid

15. Delegates too much work to staff

16. Never gives praise or feedback

17. Doesn’t actually do any work

18. Assumes staff are happy to do their work as well as their own

19. Is overpaid

20. Thinks staff are telepathic

21. Refrains from giving pay rises

22. Valorises their own superior

23. Takes credit for other people’s work

24. Jokes about others but can’t handle jokes about themselves

25. Makes staff feel guilty for having time off

26. Doesn’t have the best interests of their staff

27. Leaves early every day

28. Refrains from awarding bonuses

29. Is unqualified

30. Works from home frequently

31. Always criticises one staff member

32. Has annoying catchphrases

33. Has bad breath

34. Calls staff in the evening when they’re not working

35. Listens in to everyone’s conversations in the office

36. Repeats the same phrases and jokes frequently

37. Disciplines staff publicly rather than in private

38. Asks staff members for their opinion then claims it as their own

39. Call staff on the weekends when they’re not working

40. Makes unfunny jokes

41. Expects staff to turn up on time when they’re always late

42. Dresses awfully

43. Blames staff for things they’ve done wrong

44. Calls staff when they’re on holiday

45. Constantly talks about previous successes

46. Emits wind

47. Dresses scruffily

48. Always expects staff to make them tea but never makes tea for others

49. Has sexist views

50. Bores the office with their holiday photos and anecdotes

SWNS