Should employees tell bosess what they think of them?

My S4 Business Management class are currently looking at the internal organisation of a business and one of the areas we have been looking at is the relationship between managers and employees. My Higher Business Management class are about to move on to the Human Resource topic and this may also be of interest to them.

New research has suggested that firms would have a happier and healthier workforce if employees were able to tell their managers what they think of them. The relationship between line managers and employees is the most common source of stress in the workplace but many people in senior positions are unaware of how they come across and think they are doing a good job already. Stress in the workplace is a significant cause of sickness absence and can lead to people experiencing anxiety or depression.

The study showed that if employees could provide feedback to their managers, the bosses were more likely to change their management style and become more effective. This could be in coping with the employees emotions, empathising with individuals and resolving conflict. Those who don't get feedback were unlikely to change.