The relationship between the employee and the boss is going downhill fast. And there’s a reason for it. 

Seventy-five percent of working adults say the worst – and most stressful – aspect of their job is their immediate boss. This according to compound research by renowned business psychologist Robert Hogan, who recently presented his findings for the American Psychological Association.

What’s more? The World Health Organization estimates the annual cost of workplace stress due to overbearing management is well over $300 billion nationwide.

The largest contributing factor to this dynamic is the fairly recent push for each manager to achieve greater productivity with fewer resources. From a management perspective, the key is keeping employees from feeling as if there’s no end to their constant, overwhelming workload.

A few proven strategies:

• Reward them by providing a break from that workload. Motivate staffers by allowing them a day off or an opportunity to leave early once they’ve met agreed-upon goals.
• Take something off their plates. Whenever possible, reallocate low-priority tasks to either new recruits, interns or admins. It’ll empower new employees while easing the burden on veterans.
• Recognize hard work. One of the biggest frustrations for hard-working employees is feeling like their increased contribution is being taken for granted.
• Step in and lend a hand. Take an active role in employee projects, engage employees and ask for constant feedback. Focus on good-will gestures that let them know you’re there as a constant advocate, working on their behalf.