Perfectionist leaders may drive employees to work while ill

Employees under pressure to meet exceptionally high standards are more likely to experience conflict at home and work while unwell, according to a University of East Anglia (UEA) study.

Researchers found that employees who perceive their leaders as perfectionistic are more likely to experience work-family conflict.

That conflict, in turn, increases the likelihood of presenteeism, where employees continue working despite being ill.

The findings suggest that leaders who impose unrealistically high standards on others can affect employees' wellbeing, both at work and at home.

The results, uncovered by academics from UEA, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Liverpool, are based on a study of 483 employees across 102 teams in UK universities and colleges.

Prof Annilee Game, from UEA's Norwich Business School, said: “While the link between leader characteristics and employee wellbeing is well known, we uncovered what connects leader perfectionism to presenteeism.

"Our study is among the first to show how leaders' unrealistic expectations can fuel work-family conflict, driving employees to work even when unwell.”

The researchers suggest that demanding leadership behaviour can drain employees' time, energy and emotional resources, leaving them with less capacity for family responsibilities and increasing stress across both domains.

Prof Ana Sanz Vergel also from UEA's Norwich Business School, said:

"This study reveals the powerful influence of leadership and the blurred boundary between work and home.

"Leaders' perfectionistic expectations spill over into employees' home lives, making it harder for them to cope with family demand, and the consequences are substantial.

"Conflict between the work and family domains depletes employees' energy to the point that they lack the resources to engage in health-protective coping strategies.

"Instead, they may turn to what appears to be the easier option but is ultimately a harmful one. We need to challenge the notion that presenteeism is the answer."

Conducted over six months, with data collected at three points in time, the study adds to growing evidence that leadership styles can influence employees' wellbeing in ways that extend beyond the workplace.

Dr Rahul Goel, Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at Sheffield Hallam University, who led the study, said: “We were interested in understanding what happens when perfectionism is directed towards others, particularly when it comes from people in positions of leadership.

"Because perfectionism is often seen as positive, our findings highlight that leader-driven perfectionistic expectations can harm wellbeing and life outside work.

“Organisations should therefore reconsider which leadership behaviours and norms they promote, rather than assuming higher standards always improve outcomes.

"I hope this research encourages organisations and leaders to reflect on how expectations are communicated and the potential consequences of creating an environment where leaders expect perfection from employees.”

'The perfect storm: How leader perfectionism fuels employee work-family conflict and presenteeism’ is published in the journal Work & Stress.