The role of line managers is becoming increasingly important in influencing employee engagement in the workplace, according to research commissioned by the CIPD.

The report, Line Managers in Reward, Learning and Development, explores the relationships between line management and HR, the confusion of roles and the benefits of using learning and development specialists and reward professionals to support and develop skills.

Written by Sue Hutchinson, Bristol Business School and John Purcell, ACAS and Warwick University, the report builds on previous research from the CIPD was undertaken with Halcrow, John Lewis Partnership, McGraw-Hill, Ministry of Defence, Wiltshire County Council and Wincanton.

Victoria Winkler, CIPD Learning Training and Development Adviser, says: “One major obstacle preventing progress in creating sustainable high performing organisations rests with the balance between what are and should be HR and line manager responsibilities for people management and development.

“As the UK’s economy becomes increasingly service-led, organisations cannot afford to be complacent about addressing their employees’ needs.”