Removing Management Layers Leaves Fewer Managers Carrying the Same Leadership Work
Removing a management layer does not remove the leadership work, which falls on the managers who remain, an opinion piece in Entrepreneur argues. It cites Gallup's 2026 State of the Global Workplace, which reports that manager engagement worldwide declined by about 29 percent between 2022 and 2025, while noting that the research does not show flattening caused the decline.
The efficiency of a flatter structure shows on the org chart, while its cost does not. That cost arrives as earlier launch dates with unchanged teams, AI-generated proposals awaiting review with no added time, and technical performers promoted before they have practiced leading. Burnout, turnover and thinner preparation for future leaders can follow, carried by the fewer managers left holding a bigger load.
Source: Entrepreneur · November 5, 2026