The new Acas guide, 'Front line mangers', will help employers recognise the critical role FLMs play in business success.

The guide looks at the important connection FLMs can make with employees and why they need to be:

• Recruited and selected to ensure they have the right people qualities to motivate staff and deal with difficult problems
• Trained so that they can carry out their duties effectively and develop their careers
• Given a balanced workload that recognises the need to allocate time for performance management duties
• Coached by senior managers so that they openly discuss problems and actively participate in decision making.