A recent survey by Firstup highlights the hidden costs of eliminating middle management layers in companies. While big tech firms like Meta, Microsoft, and Google are cutting management roles to save costs and boost productivity, employees rely heavily on middle managers for communication, recognition, and support. Over half of employees trust their direct managers more than senior leadership for workplace updates. The survey found that when layoffs reduce middle management, employees feel less supported, more disconnected, and lose access to mentorship and career guidance. Senior leaders are often seen as less accessible and less trustworthy. Firstup’s CEO warns that asking fewer managers to handle more responsibilities is unsustainable, and while AI can assist with some tasks, it cannot replace the essential human connection and leadership that managers provide. Businesses considering restructuring should carefully weigh the impact on employee trust and engagement to maintain productivity.
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