44% of companies have cut back at the manager level

A new report from consulting firm Korn Ferry highlights how the trend of eliminating middle management—often referred to as "unbossing"—has accelerated, especially following waves of tech layoffs in 2022 and 2023. One of the most prominent examples came from Meta, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during his 2023 “year of efficiency,” questioned the value of an overly layered structure. “I don’t think you want a management structure that’s just managers managing managers, managing managers, managing the people who are doing the work,” he reportedly said.

While trimming management layers can address unnecessary bureaucracy, it’s not always beneficial. Many employees still need direction and leadership, and the absence of managers can create confusion. Maria Amato, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry specializing in employee experience, warns that cutting too many managers often leaves employees feeling lost. Among 2,000 U.S. professionals surveyed by the firm, 44% said their companies had reduced the number of managers—and around 40% of those respondents reported feeling “directionless” as a result.

Amato compares it to a rowing team: if everyone rows hard but in different directions, it’s ineffective. The manager’s role is to align the team and keep everyone moving together. Still, because managers tend to cost more than individual contributors (ICs), many companies see them as an easy line item to cut in tough times.

In short, don’t take your manager for granted—she might not be around much longer.