The 3 things that employees want from their managers

One in two employees have left a job to get away from their manager.

That’s half of all workers in the US, according to Gallup’s latest report, “State of the American Manager: Analytics and Advice for Leaders,” which provides an in-depth look at management, talent, and engagement, based on over four decades of extensive research.

In a separate study of 7,712 US adults, Gallup found the three things that make employees feel good about their bosses.

They are:

1. Consistent and meaningful communication.

Gallup found that regular communication — whether it occurs in person, over the phone, or electronically — is linked to higher engagement.

For example, employees whose managers hold regular meetings with them are almost three times as likely to be engaged as those with managers who do not, the report says.

It also found that engagement is highest among employees whose managers communicate daily, using a combination of mediums — and those who converse not just about their role and responsibilities, but also about what happens in their life outside of work.

2. Performance management beyond annual reviews.

Employees appreciate managers who help them set work priorities and goals throughout the year — not just in their annual performance review.

Gallup found that clarity of expectations is “perhaps the most basic of employee needs and is vital to performance.” It also discovered that employees want and need to completely comprehend what they should be doing and how their work fits in with everyone else’s work. That’s why the best managers don’t just tell employees what’s expected of them; they regularly discuss their responsibilities and progress.

When “performance management” is done well, employees become more productive, creative, and profitable contributors.

3. A focus on strengths, not weaknesses.

Gallup found that when managers help employees grow and develop through their strengths — rather trying to improve their weaknesses — they are more than twice as likely to be engaged at work.

“A strengths-based culture is one in which employees learn their roles more quickly, produce more and significantly better work, stay with their company longer and are more engaged,” the report says.

This article is published in collaboration with Business Insider. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

To keep up with Forum:Agenda subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Author: Jacquelyn Smith joined Business Insider as the Careers Editor in February 2014.

Image: Matteo Achilli (R) works with one of his assistants in his office in Formello. REUTERS/Tony Gentile.