Most organisations don’t think twice about investing in systems, technology, or recruitment.

But when it comes to training managers?

That’s often where hesitation creeps in.

Yet the reality is simple: the cost of a poorly trained manager is one of the most expensive risks in your business.

And the solution might cost less than £160.

The Hidden Cost Sitting in Your Organisation

Managers sit at the centre of your business.

They influence performance, productivity, engagement, wellbeing, and retention.

So when managers are under-equipped or unsupported, the impact is felt everywhere — often without being immediately visible.

Let’s break down what a “bad manager” (or more accurately, an untrained manager) can cost your organisation.

1. Employee Turnover: £9,000 – £60,000 Per Employee

One of the most consistent findings in workplace research is this:

People don’t leave companies — they leave managers.

Replacing an employee typically costs between 30% and 200% of their salary when you factor in recruitment, onboarding, lost productivity, and training.

For a £30,000 employee, that’s anywhere from:

👉 £9,000 to £60,000 — for just one resignation

Multiply that across a team with poor management, and the costs escalate quickly.

2. Disengagement: £5,000+ Per Employee, Every Year

According to Gallup, disengaged employees cost businesses approximately 18% of their salary in lost productivity.

That means:

👉 A £30,000 employee could be costing your business over £5,000 per year in reduced output

Disengagement doesn’t always look dramatic. It shows up as:

• Lower effort
• Reduced initiative
• Lack of accountability
• Minimal discretionary effort

And managers are the single biggest driver of engagement levels.

3. Absenteeism & Stress: £1,000+ Per Employee

Work-related stress remains one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK.

Poor management behaviours — unclear expectations, lack of support, poor communication — all contribute to increased stress levels.

The result?

👉 Increased absenteeism, costing £600–£1,000+ per employee per year

And that’s just the direct cost — not including disruption, cover, or reduced team performance.

4. Presenteeism: The Invisible Cost

Presenteeism is when employees are physically at work but not fully functioning.

It’s often driven by:

• Low morale
• Burnout
• Poor leadership
• Lack of clarity

Research suggests presenteeism costs businesses 2–3 times more than absenteeism.

👉 Often exceeding £4,000 per employee annually

This is one of the biggest hidden drains on productivity — and one of the hardest to spot.

5. Performance Issues, Conflict & Risk

Untrained managers often struggle with:

• Difficult conversations
• Giving feedback
• Managing performance
• Handling conflict

This can lead to:

• Ongoing underperformance
• Team tension
• Formal HR issues
• Grievances or even tribunals

A single tribunal case can cost £10,000–£50,000+, not including reputational damage.

So… What’s the Alternative?

Now compare those costs to this:

👉 Manager training at less than £160 per person

For a fraction of the cost of a single absence, resignation, or disengaged employee, you can equip your managers with the skills to:

• Lead with confidence
• Have effective conversations
• Support wellbeing
• Drive performance
• Build engaged, high-performing teams

The Reality: Most “Bad Managers” Aren’t Bad

In our experience at We Are Wellbeing, most managers aren’t failing because they don’t care.

They’re failing because:

• They’ve been promoted without training
• They’ve inherited people responsibility without support
• They’ve never been shown how to manage effectively

The result?

Capable individuals placed in roles they’ve never been equipped to succeed in.

The £160 Decision

Every organisation faces a simple choice:

• Absorb the ongoing cost of poor management
  or
• Invest a small amount upfront to prevent it

Because the numbers don’t lie:

👉 One disengaged employee: £5,000+ per year
👉 One resignation: up to £60,000
👉 One tribunal: £10,000+

👉 One trained manager: less than £160

A Culture Shift, Not Just a Course

Investing in manager training isn’t just about skills.

It’s about culture.

It sends a clear message that:

• Leadership matters
• People matter
• Performance and wellbeing go hand in hand

Organisations that invest in their managers create:

• Stronger teams
• Better retention
• Higher productivity
• Healthier workplaces

Ready to Reduce the Cost of Poor Management?

If you’re serious about improving performance, reducing risk, and building a stronger workplace culture, it starts with your managers.

At We Are Wellbeing, our CPD-accredited Manager Training is designed to give your leaders the practical tools, confidence, and capability to lead effectively from day one.

👉 Book your Manager Training today and start turning £160 into one of the highest ROI investments in your business.