Top Challenges for Managers & How to Survive Them
Being a manager isn’t just about calling the shots—it’s about keeping the team motivated, smoothing out conflicts, and somehow finding time to answer a flood of emails. Some days, it’s rewarding. Other days, it feels like herding caffeinated cats.
But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll dive into the most common challenges managers face and share practical, stress-free solutions.
Whether you're dealing with hybrid teams, delegation dilemmas, or just trying to keep morale high, we’ll help you navigate the chaos with confidence (and maybe a Thankbox or two).
Let’s dive in!
10 common challenges for managers (+ how to overcome them)
1. Keeping employees motivated
Motivating employees can feel like trying to keep a houseplant alive—some thrive with a little attention, while others need constant care. It often comes down to aspects like unclear goals, not enough recognition, or limited growth opportunities.
If managers don’t take the time to understand what motivates each team member, it’s easy for employees to feel disconnected. And when that happens, productivity drops, turnover goes up, and the team starts to feel less connected.
The Solution:
Managers should make sure employees know how their work fits into the bigger picture—it makes a huge difference. Offering career growth opportunities and employee development plans can keep employees excited and invested in their roles. And don’t underestimate the power of recognition! Whether it’s a simple thank-you or something fun like ‘Employee of the Month,’ regular shoutouts can seriously boost morale.
Speaking of recognition, if you want to thank your employees properly, send professional-looking thank-you notes using Thankbox. It only takes a few clicks to put together a wonderful card. And if you’re wondering what to write, just look at our list of potential appreciation messages.
Transform Your Management Style with Thankbox
From celebrating milestones to strengthening team connection, Thankbox makes employee appreciation effortless. Boost morale, improve engagement, and tackle challenges like a pro. Create a Thankbox today and lead with confidence!
2. Managing workplace conflict
Conflict happens in every workplace—it’s just part of the deal. But without the right tools to handle it, situations can quickly get out of hand. Personality clashes, miscommunication, and competing priorities are some of the usual culprits. If these issues are not addressed, they can upset productivity, bring down team morale, and even create a toxic work environment. For managers, that makes keeping a healthy team dynamic pretty challenging.
The Solution:
Open communication is the best way to prevent conflicts from escalating. Managers should create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns early. Staying neutral is crucial—playing favourites only worsens the situation. Training in conflict resolution equips managers with the skills to mediate disputes effectively.
3. Delegating effectively without micromanaging
Many managers find it tough to delegate tasks the right way. It usually comes down to trust—either not feeling confident in the team’s abilities or being worried about losing control. On the flip side, when work isn’t spread out evenly, employees end up overwhelmed, stressed, and unhappy. Poor delegation doesn’t just burn out managers; it also holds back the growth of the team.
The Solution:
Good delegation starts with being clear about tasks and trusting your team to get them done. Set expectations, offer support when needed, and then step back and let them work. Tools like project management software make it easy to keep an eye on progress without hovering.
4. Managing hybrid & remote teams
Hybrid and remote work have changed the game for managers, bringing some new challenges along the way. Miscommunication, lack of face-to-face time, and those tricky time zone differences can make it harder for teams to work together. The result? Teams can end up feeling disconnected, which can lead to misunderstandings, lower productivity, and even a loss of trust between coworkers.
The Solution:
Regular virtual check-ins are a great way to keep everyone engaged, but let’s be real—no one loves unnecessary meetings. Tools like Slack or Teams make it easy to stay connected without overloading your calendar.
Want to build team culture while working remotely? Try Thankbox. It’s an easy way to collectively celebrate employee milestones such as birthdays or anniversaries with a personalised digital card full of messages and GIFs. This way, your remote employees can feel appreciated and part of the team.
5. Managing workplace stress
Managing a team can feel like a constant juggling act—balancing what your team needs, keeping upper management happy, and staying on top of your own workload. When priorities aren’t clear, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s when deadlines get missed, decisions suffer, and stress levels skyrocket for everyone involved.
The Solution:
Managers should help set clear boundaries and promote a healthy work-life balance. Talking openly about workload and using tools like mindfulness or time-blocking can go a long way in preventing burnout.
6. Encouraging innovation and creativity (without stifling ideas)
A workplace without innovation can quickly become stale, and as a manager, encouraging creativity isn’t always easy. Employees might hold back on sharing ideas if they’re worried about failing or being criticised—especially in environments where change isn’t welcomed. If teams don’t feel supported to think outside the box, they can get stuck in old habits and lose their competitive edge.
The Solution:
Managers should create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas without worrying about being judged. Celebrating and rewarding creative problem-solving can really spark innovation, and teaming up with other departments can bring in fresh, new perspectives.
7. Retaining top talent (without begging them to stay)
Keeping top performers around is a big challenge for many managers. People often leave because they feel undervalued, experience poor work-life balance, or don’t see a clear path to grow. Without the right tools or support, it can be tough for managers to tackle these issues, leading to high turnover, expensive hiring processes, and a less stable team.
The Solution:
If you want to keep your team happy, focus on career growth, fair pay, and a great workplace culture. Don’t forget to show some appreciation—tools like Thankbox make it easy to recognise their hard work and keep everyone feeling valued and motivated.
Transform Your Management Style with Thankbox
From celebrating milestones to strengthening team connection, Thankbox makes employee appreciation effortless. Boost morale, improve engagement, and tackle challenges like a pro. Create a Thankbox today and lead with confidence!
8. Managing difficult conversations
Tough conversations about performance, salary, or behaviour can feel uncomfortable, but they’re so important for a successful team. Many managers find these discussions tricky—whether it’s fear of confrontation, not knowing how to communicate effectively, or worrying about emotions running high. But avoiding or mishandling them can lead to misunderstandings and unresolved issues that hurt morale and productivity.
The Solution:
When having these discussions, it’s important for managers to come prepared with clear, objective points. Showing empathy and actively listening to employees helps keep things constructive. A good follow-up plan can go a long way in helping both sides move forward with clarity and confidence.
9. Helping struggling employees improve
Giving constructive feedback can be tricky for many managers. It’s easy to worry about upsetting employees or straining work relationships, which can lead to feedback that’s either too vague or too harsh. But without clear, actionable advice, employees might not know what’s expected of them, and that can hold back their growth and development.
The Solution:
Managers should set clear expectations and give regular feedback. Helping employees improve can be as simple as offering training or one-on-one coaching. And don’t forget—show some empathy for personal challenges and make sure they have the support and resources they need.
10. Keeping the team aligned during transitions
Change is part of any workplace, but things like restructures, new leadership, or updated policies can throw people off. Without clear communication, employees might feel unsure about their jobs or have a hard time adjusting to new processes. This can lead to anxiety, disengagement, and a dip in productivity.
The Solution:
Managers should be open and honest when communicating changes, giving employees plenty of time to adjust. Talking things through and focusing on the benefits can help ease any worries and get everyone on the same page. By involving the team and providing clear guidance, you can create a culture of trust and adaptability.
Wrapping up
Managing a team is tough, but it doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right strategies—and a little dedication—you can tackle challenges head-on and create a workplace that people actually enjoy.
Looking for a simple way to lift team spirits and build stronger connections? Start with a Thankbox. After all, a little appreciation goes a long way.
Create a Thankbox today and watch your team’s smiles grow!
Images: Cover | Man blowing candles on a birthday cake | Cheerful female presenter | Two women having conversation on stairs
