What is the main finding of the survey regarding middle management positions?

The main finding is that 56.7% of respondents feel that management positions are a "punishment game." Additionally, 63.3% stated they do not want to become managers, with increased responsibility and pressure being the primary reasons.

What are the main reasons people are reluctant to become managers?

The top reason cited is the increase in responsibility and pressure associated with management roles. Concerns about working hours and the overall burden of the position also contribute to this reluctance.

What is the connection between this survey and the concept of "quiet quitting"?

While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the survey's findings on promotion avoidance and the perception of management as a "punishment game" suggest a broader trend of disengagement and a desire for minimal effort, which aligns with the principles of "quiet quitting."

What are the key factors causing stress for middle managers?

The primary source of stress for middle managers identified in the survey is pressure from superiors and senior management.

What are the expectations for management roles based on this survey?

There is an expectation for management roles to be redefined so that they are no longer perceived as a "punishment game." The survey highlights "efficiency" and "work-life balance" as crucial elements for a more appealing management position.

"Management Position = Punishment Game" Felt by 56.7%! Chain of Promotion Avoidance and "Quiet Quitting" Seen in Survey of 300 People! Survey Results on Middle Management

Published Mar 30, 2026 10:41 PM ・ Updated Jun 2, 2026 1:01 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

A survey reveals that 56.7% of respondents feel that middle management positions are a "punishment game."

F&M Net Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, President and Representative Director: Yasuhiro Kamieda) conducted a survey on middle management among 300 men and women working in companies through the business media "Romu SEARCH" for the management department.

300 people responded! Survey on Middle Management [2026]

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Survey Background

In modern Japanese companies, the environment surrounding middle management is undergoing drastic changes. What was once a symbol of career advancement, "promotion," is now undeniably perceived as a risk and a burden.

Romu SEARCH conducted a survey on middle management. Moving forward, Romu SEARCH will continue to conduct surveys that can solve the problems of the management department and disseminate valuable information that is useful for back-office operations.

Requests Regarding Citation and Reproduction of This Survey■■

When citing or reproducing data from this survey, please be sure to include the notation "Source: Romu SEARCH (https://romsearch.officestation.jp/report/53657)".

Main Survey Results

・Approximately 40% answered "Yes," and over half when including those in de facto management roles.

・A shocking 63.3% responded "I don't want to become a manager."

・The top reason cited is "Increased responsibility and pressure," followed by concerns about working hours.

・More than half feel that management positions have become a "punishment game."

・The main cause of stress is "pressure from superiors and management."

・Awareness is about 70%, but the percentage who "know well" is limited.

・Over 50% are conscious of working "within the minimum scope."

・"Efficiency" and "work-life balance" are the two major keywords.

・Expectations for individuals who do not make "management = punishment game" a reality.

● Approximately 40% answered "Yes," and over half when including those in de facto management roles

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: research

"Management Position = Punishment Game" Felt by 56.7%! Chain of Promotion Avoidance and "Quiet Quitting" Seen in Survey of 300 People! Survey Results on Middle Management

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