Fleet managers are struggling to hit targets and productivity is slowing as workplaces are becoming more bureaucratic.

A poll of nearly 1,000 managers has revealed that the most common management styles exhibited in the transport and logistics sector, including fleet, were “bureaucratic”, “reactive” and “authoritarian”.

The findings were released in the Quality of Working Life report, from business consortium Simplyhealth and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Managers also perceived a link between the company culture and absenteeism, with 45% of respondents saying sickness rates have risen in companies with “suspicious” and unapproachable senior managers.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: “The effect of management styles on performance can be marked and have a direct bearing on the levels of health, motivation and commitment linking employers and staff.

“Improving the sense of well-being, determination and productivity is no easy task but one that cannot be ignored.

“Left alone, it will only serve to reduce morale and lower the quality of working life.