A comprehensive study by Great Place To Work has exposed a significant disconnect in the UK workplace, with the country exhibiting one of the largest perception gaps in Europe between employees and senior leaders regarding proximity leadership. The European Workforce Study, part of the Leadership in Focus series, surveyed 24,938 employees across 19 countries, using the research-based Trust Index Survey to measure and benchmark proximity leadership. Proximity leadership, defined as building trust through consistent, meaningful interactions regardless of work environment, is critical for fostering cohesive and high-performing teams.
The UK ranks second in Europe for the largest perception gap in proximity leadership. Only 45% of UK employees believe management involves them in decisions affecting their work, compared to 77% of senior leaders, revealing a 32-percentage-point difference. This disparity underscores a broader issue: while leaders overestimate their engagement with teams, employees experience a lack of connection, which can erode trust and hinder performance.
Key findings from the study
- Management involves people in decisions affecting their work: 45% of employees agree, compared to 77% of senior leaders (32-point gap).
- Management shows interest in employees as people: 47% of employees agree, compared to 79% of senior leaders (32-point gap).
- Management is genuinely open to suggestions and ideas: 48% of employees agree, compared to 82% of senior leaders (34-point gap).
- Management shows appreciation for good work and extra effort: 49% of employees agree, compared to 80% of senior leaders (31-point gap).
- Management recognises mistakes as part of doing business: 54% of employees agree, compared to 83% of senior leaders (29-point gap).
The study reveals that only 53% of the European workforce experiences proximate leadership, with the UK slightly above average at 54%. Northern European countries lead the way, with Denmark and Sweden at 61%, followed by the Netherlands and Switzerland at 60%. Luciana Barchet, Senior Consultant at Great Place To Work UK, emphasised the need for change: “Cultivating effective proximity leadership needs a strategic shift towards valuing and fostering strong leader-employee relationships. Companies must recognise that these proximate and healthy connections are the bedrock upon which a robust culture and the achievement of organisational goals are built.”
Interestingly, hybrid workers report stronger proximity leadership (60%) compared to remote (49%) or onsite (53%) workers, debunking the myth that physical presence is essential for effective leadership. Quality engagement, not proximity, drives trust and retention, with proximate leaders five times more likely to retain talent this year.
5 Key traits they value in senior leaders
- Is approachable and listens
- Advocates for employee wellbeing and development
- Is transparent and has strong communication skills
- Showcases integrity and ethics
- Provides vision and clarity
Barchet highlighted actionable steps for UK organisations: “This understanding should translate into tangible action, beginning with the empowerment of both leaders and employees at all levels to participate in decisions that directly impact their work environment, aligning employee efforts with the company’s strategic objectives.” She also stressed the importance of evolving leadership development programmes to prioritise relational skills alongside technical expertise and fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation.
