Supporting Supervisors in Workforce Management: A Growing Priority
There’s a new concern on the horizon, and it goes beyond the turnover of frontline workers. Supervisors, who serve as the vital link between strategy and execution, are feeling the strain. A report from Express Employment Professionals in July 2025, along with insights from Carolyn Crist’s latest article in HR Dive, reveals that over half (55%) of current or former supervisors have either stepped down from their leadership roles or are planning to do so.
What’s driving this trend? Factors like burnout, insufficient support, limited opportunities for growth, and a desire for a better work-life balance are at play. A leadership gap is forming that could seriously affect operations, workplace culture, and long-term success.
At ShiftSwap™, we firmly believe that backing supervisors in workforce management is good practice and mission-critical. In the current volatile economic and labor landscape, operations leaders need to minimize conflict, lighten administrative loads, and equip supervisors with the tools they need to lead effectively.
The Supervisor Crisis: A Breakdown in Support
The report reveals an alarming disconnect: while 86% of hiring managers believe their supervisors have the necessary tools, only about one-third say they provide training on critical leadership skills, such as conflict resolution or employee feedback. The gap is at the heart of the problem. Supervisors are juggling several responsibilities, such as filling staffing holes, handling call-outs, and sorting out scheduling conflicts, all without the necessary support or resources.
On top of that, younger generations are hesitant to take on these roles. 75% of Gen Z workers surveyed expressed a preference for honing their expertise in their field rather than managing others. The result leads to a stalled leadership pipeline, putting even more pressure on the few who are willing to step up and heightening the risk of long-term instability within organizations.
Supervisors often get promoted from within, not necessarily because they excel at managing people, but due to their reliability as individual contributors. Without proper training or efficient tools, they end up juggling multiple tasks that divert their attention away from coaching and supporting their teams. Stress, disengagement, and eventually, high turnover can be an unfortunate outcome.
How ShiftSwap™ Eases the Burden for Supervisors
At ShiftSwap™, we understand that simplifying labor management can significantly enhance the supervisor experience. One of the biggest challenges supervisors face is coordinating schedules. When unexpected demands arise or someone calls out, it usually falls on the supervisor to scramble for coverage, making calls, sending texts, and following up, all while trying to lead their team.
The ShiftSwap™ platform automates and streamlines this process by allowing employers to post shifts, including voluntary time off, overtime, and other arrangements. Meanwhile, employees can post full or partial shifts for coverage and pick up shifts that match their skills. Supervisors will get instant SMS and/or email about the shift and they can simply approve or deny requests in a few clicks. Proven results include improved shift coverage, reduced no-shows, and higher retention rates.
Not only does this improve daily operations, but it also allows supervisors to concentrate on leadership rather than just logistics. They can dedicate more time to coaching, developing their teams, and proactively addressing issues. This is one of the most effective ways organizations can support supervisors in workforce management: by cutting down on administrative noise and giving them the space to lead.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Supervisor Burnout
When companies neglect to support their supervisors, the consequences can be far-reaching. The same Express Employment report highlights issues like disengagement, poor team culture, lost revenue, and overall organizational decline. These are HR and business problems.
A stressed supervisor is more prone to experience burnout, which can lead to absenteeism or even resignation. The team they leave behind is often left in disarray, affecting morale, productivity, and the customer experience. Also, when a supervisor exits, finding a suitable replacement can be a real challenge, especially in fields like logistics, manufacturing, or retail, where hands-on skills don’t always translate directly into leadership roles.
The C-suite isn’t off the hook either. A recent study by LHH, a leading integrated talent solutions provider and global business unit of the Adecco Group, reveals that executive-level burnout is also on the rise, with many leaders feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change. Investing in leadership at every level, particularly at the supervisory level, may be the most effective strategy for long-term resilience.
A Wiser Approach to Leadership
To turn this situation around, companies need to reevaluate how they prepare and support their supervisors. While training programs, mentorship, and mental health resources are all important, it’s equally important to provide tools that genuinely ease their workload. Workforce management platforms like ShiftSwap™ can streamline shift management, enhance communication, and enable supervisors to respond quickly to staffing needs.
When supervisors feel valued, supported, and empowered, they’re more likely to stick around, develop their skills, and nurture the next generation of leaders. And that creates a cycle of stability rather than burnout.
At ShiftSwap™, we’ve witnessed this firsthand. Supervisors who used to spend hours on scheduling now complete their coverage tasks in just minutes. Teams are more engaged, operations run more smoothly, and turnover decreases. The shift frees up time, energy, and focus for what truly matters: nurturing talent and fostering a strong company culture.
Addressing This Pattern Now
The supervisor crisis is real, but it’s also an opportunity. Companies that prioritize supporting their supervisors in managing the workforce will find themselves ahead of the game when it comes to hiring, retaining talent, and boosting operational efficiency. The risks are significant, but so are the potential rewards.
If your organization is facing issues such as high turnover, employee burnout, or daily chaos, ShiftSwap™ is here to help. Begin by equipping your supervisors with the tools they need to make their roles more manageable, flexible, and impactful.
Schedule a demo today and discover how ShiftSwap™ can support your leaders and streamline your workforce strategy.
Start Planning for Success​
Schedule a demo with ShiftSwap™ today and learn how to streamline your workforce management.