I recently ran a LinkedIn poll asking a simple question: Why did you leave your last job? The responses were clear and eye-opening. Out of 68 participants, 44% voted management as their primary reason for moving on. That’s nearly half! Salary was second with 25%, followed by shift patterns (15%), location (9%), and a small percentage were other reasons.
In conversations I have daily with engineers and professionals across the industry, the theme of management comes up again and again. People rarely leave just for money or hours; they leave because of how they’re led and managed.
Leadership matters. It’s not just about hitting targets or holding team meetings. Good management creates a culture where people feel respected, trusted, and supported. When employees feel unsupported, micromanaged, or undervalued, no salary can make up for the daily stress and frustration that poor leadership brings.
On the flip side, when employees feel backed by their manager and they’re given opportunities to progress and feel they’re listened to, they’re far more likely to stay and do their best work.
In highly skilled environments like engineering and manufacturing, where collaboration is everything, management issues don’t just affect job satisfaction; they can affect productivity, safety, and the bottom line.
Too many organisations still underestimate the long-term cost of poor leadership. They invest in equipment, tech, and recruitment, but overlook leadership development.
The results of the poll are a wake-up call. If nearly half of the respondents say “management” drove them away, it’s time for companies to dig deeper into how their leaders are trained, supported, and held accountable. Building strong management isn’t just about avoiding resignations, it’s about creating workplaces where people can do their best work and want to stay. So if you're wondering why turnover is high or why engagement is low, don’t start with salary reviews. Start by asking how your people feel about the person they report to every day. Because ultimately, good management isn't a benefit, it's a necessity.
If you are considering your opportunities within the Engineering industry or are intrigued to know how the recruitment market is looking, please feel free to reach out.
