Tanyel Mustafa
Published November 26, 2025 6:00am
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Is your favourite manager costing you thousands? (Picture: Getty Images)
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Everyone hates a micro manager, but the flip side of that, a hands-off one, can actually end up costing you a decent pay rise.
Sure, a hands-off manager at work means it’s easier to sneak off or take a longer lunch break without being caught, but that’s a short term gain rather than the long term one: more money.
Those after a higher salary (so, essentially all of us…) won’t necessarily achieve those goals with a laid back manager.
This is because they don’t fight your corner when it comes to pay rise and promotion cycles – they can’t fight it, because they don’t know what you’ve done in the last year.
When the cost of living is still high and you need a strong salary to buy property or start a business, your manager matters more than you might think.
The average UK salary is £37,430, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The average salary increase is around 5%. That’s £1,871.50 for the average earner. And if you’re lucky to be on higher – say £50,000 – that’s £2,500 you could be missing out on.
Laura Kingston, founder of Leap Career Coaching, tells Metro: ‘Some managers are not aware of the hard work you deliver and the impact you make. Yes, a micro manager can be painful to work for, especially if you value autonomy and freedom, however they may be more aware of the work you deliver.’
A good leader will set SMART objectives, according to Laura, so you are both clear on what you are expected to deliver and by when. Objectives are Specific (clear), Measurable (you will both know what complete looks like), achievable (realistic), relevant (to your role and the organisation’s mission) and timebound (you will know when your deadline is).
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Previous Page Next Page‘This approach is great for performance related pay as there will be clear evidence used to be presented to the board and HR for pay review panels,’ Laura adds.
Of course, you might feel that the overall life benefits of a hands-off manager outweigh the non-guarantee of a pay rise, but that could easily lead to feeling your career is stalling. Laura says that a manager who can also train you up and help you grow will also boost your chances of getting more money next pay review cycle.
The UK average salary by age
Age 18-21 – Median annual salary: £24,440Age 22-29 – Median annual salary: £32,292Age 30-39 – Median annual salary: £39,988Age 40-49 – Median annual salary: £42,796Age 50-59 – Median annual salary: £40,456Age 60+ – Median annual salary: £36,036
Figures from October 2025. Read more here.
‘It can be difficult working with a hands off manager in terms of clarity, direction and goal setting. This can in turn impact performance and job satisfaction and ultimately career progression.’ And somewhat more importantly, harm your bank account.
If your salary doesn’t go up a small percentage each year, it’s almost like taking a pay cut when you consider rising costs making your money go less far.
What should you do if you have a hands-off manager?
Laura says you can actually raise this with your manager. ‘Many people wait for others to notice the impact they make or wait to be put forward for an opportunity or to be recognised for their hard work. Your career is your responsibility; take the lead.
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‘Be mindful of the right time for these conversations, though, you need to pick a time when your manager isn’t really stressed on a deadline, so they will be in the best position to hear what you have to say.’
You probably won’t do well if you go in criticising your manager, but if you take the approach of making it known you want to progress and be in with a good shot of a pay rise, you indirectly encourage your manager to step up.
If your manager still isn’t helping, set your own SMART objectives aligned to your job role and the organisation’s wider strategy.
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‘Send these to your manager and ask for a short meeting to see if they’re in agreement with your goals and targets, or if there is anything they would like to add/change,’ Laura says. ‘If you get no response after a few attempts and follow ups, you can have an off the record chat with HR and see what advice they have for you.’
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