One in 10 Newcastle workers want to be left out of workplace decisions as UK ranks top for disengaged employees
Following reports that UK workers are among Europe’s least engaged, a survey has revealed that Newcastle workers are at the forefront this trend, with the highest preference for being left out of workplace decisions.1
More than one in 10 workers in the North East city prefer a autocratic manager at work (12%), who makes all decisions themselves without input from the team.
The business finance experts at money.co.uk business loans surveyed 2,000 UK workers to reveal the most effective workplace leadership styles and how this varies by worker demographics.
Across UK cities, democratic leadership - involving employees in the decision-making process - is the top preference among workers.
However, Newcastle ranks among the five UK cities with the lowest consensus on this management style, alongside Norwich, Southampton, Newcastle, and Manchester (at 52%, 39%, 49%, 50%, and 51% respectively, compared to up to 64% in other cities).
Newcastle also stands out as the UK city has the highest proportion of workers who prefer an autocratic manager (12%), suggesting authoritarian business leaders are better received there.
This is compared to just 5% of workers in Bristol, Edinburgh, and Leeds at the other end of the scale.
Additionally, one in 10 Newcastle workers prefer a servant leadership style in the workplace (9%), where the manager prioritises the needs of the team over the business, reflecting the overarching trend of workplace disengagement.
Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business loans expert, comments: “Effective leadership doesn’t develop overnight, but small business owners can take proactive steps to refine their management skills. Seeking mentorship from experienced leaders, attending industry events, and enrolling in leadership courses can provide valuable insights and guidance.
“Investing in training, whether through online courses, business coaching, or workshops, can help business leaders sharpen their decision-making and management approach. In some cases, securing short-term capital through a business loan can provide the flexibility needed to fund these initiatives while maintaining healthy cash flow.
“Building a strong company culture is equally important. Actively listening to employees, encouraging collaboration, and investing in solid HR processes can enhance team cohesion and efficiency. While these efforts require time and financial resources, they can drive long-term success, enabling businesses to grow, adapt, and succeed.”
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