The megamanager era: AI is doubling bosses' workloads-and the costs are just beginning to show | Fortune
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The megamanager era: AI is doubling bosses' workloads-and the costs are just beginning to show | Fortune
"The average number of a manager's direct reports has nearly doubled since Gallup began tracking the figure in 2013, reflecting a significant structural change in the workplace."
"Meta's new applied AI engineering division has deployed a 50-to-1 employee-to-manager ratio, challenging traditional organizational structures and potentially defining the future of work."
"Fewer managers mean lower headcount costs, flatter hierarchies, and faster decision-making, allowing information to travel more quickly and accountability to be closer to the front lines."
"The immediate math looks appealing for companies, as AI can handle tasks like scheduling and performance reviews, reducing the need for human coordinators."
The average American manager now oversees 12 direct reports, a significant increase attributed to AI's role in cost-cutting and leaner bureaucracies. This shift, termed the megamanager era, has seen companies reduce middle-management ranks, leading to larger portfolios for surviving managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that the average number of direct reports has nearly doubled since 2013. Companies like Meta exemplify this trend with extreme employee-to-manager ratios, raising questions about the future of work and organizational structure.
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