{"id":76687,"date":"2026-09-30T11:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T09:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=76687"},"modified":"2026-09-30T11:43:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T09:43:14","slug":"manager-burnout-hr-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/manager-burnout-hr-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are managers under pressure and what can HR do about it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy are managers under pressure and what can HR do about it?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover why managers are feeling more pressure than ever and explore practical HR strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve support.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-30T11:43:12+02:00\">September 30, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Why are managers under pressure and what can HR do about it?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/manager-burnout-hr-support\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/author\/charliebraithwaite\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Charlie-Braithwaite-Profile-Image-600x600-1-350x350.png\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Charlie Braithwaite\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Charlie-Braithwaite-Profile-Image-600x600-1-350x350.png 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Charlie-Braithwaite-Profile-Image-600x600-1.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Charlie Braithwaite<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managers are being asked to do more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re expected to deliver results, support employee wellbeing, develop skills, manage performance, and help teams adapt to constant change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the support around them hasn\u2019t always kept pace. Sage\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HR and Payroll Leaders\u2019 Report<\/a> found that 78% of HR managers feel more stretched than they did 2 years ago, while 49% feel stressed about their jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;HR managers are also under growing pressure to support stressed line managers across the wider business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So why are managers today under so much pressure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The research points to a wider issue: managers are being asked to lead digital transformation, support wellbeing, develop skills, improve retention, and manage performance, but many still lack the time, tools, and support needed to do all those things effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we\u2019ll look at why pressure is rising and what HR can do to help managers perform without burning out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-container is-constrained\"><div class=\"sage-container__inner\">\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manager pressure is rising:<\/strong> 78% of HR managers feel more stretched than they did 2 years ago, while 49% feel stressed about their jobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The role is expanding in several directions:<\/strong> HR managers increasingly expect to spend more time on digital transformation, strategy, employee wellbeing, retention, and skills development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure spreads across the organisation:<\/strong> stretched HR managers are also being asked to support line managers dealing with their own workload and people challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They need additional support to handle this increased responsibility:<\/strong> 86% of survey respondents say that investment in modern HR technology would help tackle their challenges, while 85% say the same about support from senior business leaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consistent support matters:<\/strong> clear priorities, practical tools, regular check-ins, and early visibility into workload can help managers deal with pressure before it becomes burnout.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-why-are-managers-under-so-much-pressure\" data-level=\"2\">Why are managers under so much pressure?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-manager-burnout-needs-a-wider-response\" data-level=\"2\">Why manager burnout needs a wider response<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-happens-when-managers-are-overstretched\" data-level=\"2\">What happens when managers are overstretched?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-hr-can-better-support-managers\" data-level=\"2\">How HR can better support managers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-start-small-and-grow\" data-level=\"2\">Start small and grow<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions-about-manager-pressure-and-burnout\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions about manager pressure and burnout<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-are-managers-under-so-much-pressure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are managers under so much pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For HR managers, workloads are becoming broader as well as heavier, with responsibility stretching across more areas of the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">research<\/a> shows how quickly the role is expanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the next 5 years, 63% of HR managers expect to spend more time on digital transformation and 60% on strategic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same proportion expect to do more around employee wellbeing and working practices, while 59% expect to spend more time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/employee-retention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retaining talent<\/a> and supporting skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means managers are increasingly moving between very different demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They might be helping set strategy in one meeting, dealing with a wellbeing concern in the next, then trying to solve a skills gap or manage performance later that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the pressure doesn\u2019t stop with their own workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HR managers are stretched by their own expanding remit while also being asked to support line managers facing pressure elsewhere in the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manager workload challenges are already an issue, and they&#8217;re only increasing. In South Africa, 74% of HR leaders say their workload has increased compared with the previous year, helping explain why many managers feel under growing pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why growing pressure on managers shouldn\u2019t automatically be seen as a performance issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the remit keeps expanding, managers need the capacity, tools, and support to expand with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without them, asking people to simply become more resilient only addresses the symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Infographic: Managers under pressure<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Discover the key challenges facing HR and payroll leaders, plus practical actions, tools, and metrics to better support managers, reduce burnout risk, and build stronger leadership capability.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-aa97ebb7-4d9a-4c76-8e42-b0d3fda64bb4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download the Managers under pressure infographic<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Philip_Option2-1440x810.jpeg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"A man stands in front of the Sage glow line in front of a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Philip_Option2-1440x810.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-manager-burnout-needs-a-wider-response\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Why manager burnout needs a wider response<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When managers are stretched, it can be tempting to focus on the individual: better time management, more resilience training, or another course on managing stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage\u2019s research<\/a> points to a wider support gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">86% of HR leaders say investment in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/hr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">modern HR technology<\/a> would help them tackle their challenges, while the same proportion say this about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-ai-in-hr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HR-specific AI tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">85% point to increased upskilling in HR capabilities, and 85% to stronger support from senior business leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, almost 80% of HR managers report a greater emphasis on building leadership capability, yet many still lack the tools and training they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly important in South Africa, where 55% of HR leaders report significant or severe workforce skills gaps and 68% struggle to attract and retain people with critical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That creates a clear mismatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expectations are rising, but the support systems, training, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/hr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">technology<\/a> available to managers aren\u2019t always keeping pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can help close that gap by making effective management easier: clearer expectations, better access to information, practical training, and regular support built into the way managers work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more consistently managers are enabled, the less likely they are to reach the point where pressure has already become burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-happens-when-managers-are-overstretched\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>What happens when managers are overstretched?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The challenge is reflected in working patterns too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearly three-quarters (72%) of South African HR leaders work between 41 and 60 hours per week, while a further 23% work between 61 and 80 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When managers are constantly switching between competing priorities, important parts of the role can get squeezed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coaching gets rushed. Feedback is delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workload problems are easier to miss, and difficult conversations may happen later than they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employees feel the effects too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managers shape much of the day-to-day <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-employee-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee experience<\/a>, from how clearly expectations are set to whether people feel supported when something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a manager is stretched, providing that consistency becomes harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Performance can suffer in a similar way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An overloaded manager may keep day-to-day work moving, but there\u2019s less space to step back and plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Team development can slip, while smaller problems go unnoticed and may eventually become even bigger ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-hr-can-better-support-managers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>How HR can better support managers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can\u2019t remove every source of pressure, but you can make it easier for managers to handle by giving them better <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/hr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visibility into workload, wellbeing, and performance.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to give them clearer expectations, practical tools, and regular support before problems build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start with, focus on 4 areas: clearer priorities, practical tools, regular routines, and early visibility into wellbeing and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The advice in this section leans on Sage\u2019s manager enablement starter kit (below), which is included in the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6abd0a8d2f380&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6abd0a8d2f380\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"An image of the Manager Enablement starter toolkit, sourced from the HR &amp; Payroll Leaders' Report.\" class=\"wp-image-76685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/Manager-Enablement-Starter-Kit.jpg 1703w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-give-managers-clearer-priorities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Give managers clearer priorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When everything feels urgent, managers need help deciding what comes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make priorities explicit, especially when new work is added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managers should know what matters most, what they\u2019re responsible for, and where they have room to make their own calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 10-minute Monday check-in can help managers confirm priorities, identify blockers, and clarify responsibilities before the week begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use it to confirm priorities and surface anything that could get in the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-equip-managers-with-practical-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>2. Equip managers with practical tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make the information managers need easy to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s manager enablement starter kit highlights 3 practical tools that help managers spot problems earlier and make more informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A team insight snapshot brings together absence, overtime, performance, and engagement data so managers can identify trends before they become bigger issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A workload balance heatmap helps managers compare workload against available capacity, making it easier to identify overloaded employees, underused skills, and uneven work allocation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A development path builder helps managers identify skills gaps, agree development actions, and track progress towards clear improvement goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to give managers enough visibility to spot emerging problems and act before they escalate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-build-support-into-the-working-week\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>3. Build support into the working week<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait for a quarterly review or a problem to escalate before checking how people are doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s manager enablement starter kit recommends simple weekly routines: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>clarify priorities at the start of the week on Mondays, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>check workload and wellbeing midweek on Wednesdays, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>then finish by recognising progress and capturing feedback on Fridays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These don\u2019t need to become long meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even 10 minutes can help uncover workload concerns, wellbeing issues, or skills gaps before they begin affecting performance or increasing burnout risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give managers somewhere to turn outside those check-ins too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A manager forum, HR office hours, or peer network can give them a place to raise difficult questions and learn from others facing similar situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-track-whether-managers-are-coping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>4. Track whether managers are coping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check in on managers themselves, rather than relying only on how their team is performing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s manager enablement starter kit suggests a manager confidence score, where managers regularly assess how comfortable they feel handling areas such as conflict, feedback, and performance conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use that alongside regular conversations about workload and priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A drop in confidence, growing workload, or repeated requests for help can give HR an early signal that someone needs more support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Infographic: Managers under pressure<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Discover the key challenges facing HR and payroll leaders, plus practical actions, tools, and metrics to better support managers, reduce burnout risk, and build stronger leadership capability.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-aa97ebb7-4d9a-4c76-8e42-b0d3fda64bb4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download the Managers under pressure infographic<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Philip_Option2-1440x810.jpeg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"A man stands in front of the Sage glow line in front of a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Philip_Option2-1440x810.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-start-small-and-grow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Start small and grow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporting managers doesn\u2019t have to mean launching a major new programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by identifying one source of pressure you can improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe priorities are unclear, or managers don\u2019t have enough visibility into workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might also find that difficult conversations are where they need the most support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then introduce one practical change to address it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That could be a clearer weekly priority check-in, a workload tool, or more regular support from HR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once that change becomes part of how managers work, build from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim is to create consistent support that helps managers address pressure early, before stress, burnout, and performance issues start affecting their teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-want-to-put-these-ideas-into-action\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want to put these ideas into action?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download the <strong><a href=\"#gate-aa97ebb7-4d9a-4c76-8e42-b0d3fda64bb4\">Managers Under Pressure infographic<\/a><\/strong> for practical tools, weekly routines, and manager support frameworks you can start using today.<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-faq\">\n\t\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-about-manager-pressure-and-burnout\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about manager pressure and burnout<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-items\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-36aac2db\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-causes-manager-burnout\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What causes manager burnout?<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manager burnout can develop when demands keep rising without a corresponding increase in capacity or support.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broader remit can leave managers juggling competing priorities while still being expected to support the people around them.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-29ec3615\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-are-the-signs-that-a-manager-is-under-too-much-pressure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the signs that a manager is under too much pressure?<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changes in workload can be an early warning sign.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rising overtime or absence may indicate that pressure is building, while slipping progress can show that a team is struggling to keep up.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk to managers directly too.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask whether their priorities feel clear and where they\u2019re finding the role most difficult.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s manager enablement framework also recommends checking managers\u2019 confidence in areas such as feedback and performance conversations.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-cd784b9f\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-can-hr-support-stressed-managers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can HR support stressed managers?<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by making the job easier to navigate.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managers should know what matters most and have access to the information they need without having to chase HR for every answer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular check-ins also give them a chance to raise workload concerns or ask for help before problems escalate.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support works best when it becomes part of everyday management rather than something offered only when someone is already struggling.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-d1869579\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-can-organisations-reduce-pressure-on-managers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can organisations reduce pressure on managers?<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step is to identify where the pressure is coming from.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If unnecessary work is consuming managers\u2019 time, look for ways to remove or simplify it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they lack confidence in parts of the role, focus support and training there.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/human-resources\/resources\/hr-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">research<\/a> also shows that HR leaders see better technology and stronger senior leadership support as important ways to tackle the challenges they face.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-0b206d3c\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-can-technology-help-managers-manage-their-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can technology help managers manage their teams?<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technology can make important team information easier to see in one place.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of piecing together different sources, managers can get a clearer view of workload, wellbeing, and performance and spot potential problems sooner.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice enewsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/business-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/coaching\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcoaching\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/hr-payroll\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR &amp; Payroll\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/trending-topics\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttrending topics\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-76618 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-business-strategy tag-employee-benefits tag-hr-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman stands in front of the Sage glowline with a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-09T15:29:07+02:00\">September 9, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-employee-experience\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is employee experience and why is HR struggling to deliver it?\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tDiscover the biggest barriers to improving employee experience and practical steps to create more time for people-focused work.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-73705 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-business-management tag-employee-benefits tag-hr-payroll tag-news-insights tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-employee-self-service\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Woman in audience raising her hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-03T09:00:00+02:00\">September 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tEmpower your team with employee self-service\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-72451 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-financial-insights tag-making-financial-decisions tag-profit-loss tag-staying-competitive tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-depreciation\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1177851223-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1177851223-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1177851223-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1177851223-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-02T13:44:45+02:00\">September 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tA guide to understanding depreciation\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-69417 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-compliance category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-compliance tag-hr-payroll tag-regulation tag-tax business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/checklist-preparing-for-and-processing-tax-year-end\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T13:00:00+02:00\">August 27, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tChecklist: Preparing for and processing Tax Year-End\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-72349 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-hr-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/human-resource-management\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1314879006-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1314879006-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1314879006-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1314879006-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-20T10:22:42+02:00\">August 20, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHuman Resource Management: All you need to know\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover why managers are feeling more pressure than ever and explore practical HR strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1926,"featured_media":76684,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"how to support stressed managers\",\"score\":61},{\"keyword\":\"manager wellbeing\",\"score\":78},{\"keyword\":\"manager stress\",\"score\":67},{\"keyword\":\"how HR can support 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