The Quiet Collapse of the Middle

Overworked, Overloaded, Overlooked

I didn’t always appreciate middle managers.

For years, as someone passionate about driving change, I saw them as barriers: people who resisted fresh ideas, slowed down decisions, and seemed determined to protect the status quo. It felt easy to label them as “the frozen middle.”

But then I began working alongside them. Titles dissolved into faces, each with their own stories. I saw people juggling impossible expectations, absorbing relentless pressure, yet standing firm. These weren’t just job titles on an organisational chart; they were people—each with their own struggles, strengths, and stories.

And right now, those stories are getting harder to tell.

The Silent Strain

Nearly half of the middle managers I once knew are gone—roles cut in the name of efficiency. Those who remain are juggling twice the responsibilities with none of the support.

They used to be the translators, turning strategy into clear direction. Now, they’re left decoding scattered instructions.

They were the bridge-builders, connecting teams and fostering collaboration. Now, they’re drowning in a sea of relationships too vast to maintain.

They were the vanguards, spotting risks before they became crises. Now, they’re too overwhelmed to notice the warning signs.

According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025, only 21% of managers worldwide feel engaged, with burnout spreading fastest among those in the middle.

This isn’t just burnout, it’s a story of quiet erosion.

These are the people who once kept teams beating in sync, but now they can barely feel their own pulse.

When the Heartbeat Fades

The disconnection doesn’t stop with them. It spreads quietly like a slow contagion.

• Teams lose trust, conversations fade into silence.

• Engagement crumbles as even the most committed drift away.

• Projects stall, not from lack of skill, but from lack of alignment.

But the most dangerous ripple is this: disengaged managers, drained and disconnected, unintentionally spread that disengagement to their teams. Gallup’s data proves it.

It’s a downward spiral, a slow unravelling.

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Why Connection is the Last Sanctuary

Traditionally, middle managers handled workforce planning, tactical execution, staffing, budgeting—the nuts and bolts of operational efficiency. But now, as automation and AI handle the mechanics, their human touch is irreplaceable.

A steady voice calming a room. A compassionate ear on a hard day. The best middle managers I’ve known weren’t just “managers.” They were translators, builders, vanguards—roles that went beyond any title.

Even those who may not stand out as “exceptional” have stories, struggles, and quiet victories of their own. Because it was never just about titles. It was about the human thread that binds organisations.

And right now, that thread is fraying.

An Invitation to Remember Who You Are

If this sounds familiar—if you see yourself in these words—you’re not alone.
This isn’t a personal failure; it’s a systemic crisis.
But maybe there’s another way. Not a fix, but a refuge.

1. Could You Put Yourself First?

When was the last time someone asked how you were, without expecting you to fix anything? Could you allow yourself a moment of stillness, even five minutes, to breathe without being responsible for anyone else? Maybe it’s time to find a friend, a peer, or someone in your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—anyone who can listen without needing you to be “the strong one.” And if those options don’t feel available, I’d be honoured to hold that space for you. Connect with me here.

2. Could We Share Some of the Weight?

Your team needs support—but that doesn’t mean it all has to come from you. At Leadership Labs, we offer a sanctuary where your team can grow, develop, and thrive—without everything resting on your shoulders.

If you’re already stretched thin, let us help nurture your team’s growth, so you can focus on the human connections only you can provide. Start a 2-week free trial with your team here.

3. Could You Steady Your Beacon?

Imagine this: You walk out of a session not drained, but clearer. Not overwhelmed, but anchored.

Our community isn’t just a learning space—it’s a place to calm your nervous system, rediscover your presence, and send a steady beacon in the chaos. Participants often tell us they leave feeling clearer, stronger, and ready to be the calming presence their teams need. Learn more about our next Collective Leadership Program here.

Because you are not just valuable, you are essential!