More than eight in ten employers regard themselves as great bosses; according to latest survey findings.

The figures collated by financial recruitment firm, Portfolio Payroll and employment lawyers Peninsula show that 82% of respondents believe they are great while 77% are confident their employees would say the same.

Most respondents, 87% say they prefer to promote within, over and above looking externally for candidates.

A similar number, 83% confirmed that they value their employees’ opinions when making important decisions.

The employer findings were evenly matched with employee responses when asked about their bosses.

Seventy six per cent of workers interviewed said their employer is good while 63% admitted their boss is approachable and 70% agreed that they are respectful of their seniors.

Danny Done managing director of Portfolio Payroll commented:

“This survey shows that most employers think of themselves as a good boss and that is obviously reflected in what employees are saying too. I think we live in an age where employees can approach their boss with problems and be met with sympathy. This obviously helps the employee respect their employer. Additionally staff benefits have a lot to do with whether they are happy at work and again it can help to measure whether they think they work for a good employer.

“I don’t think there are right or wrong ways to be a good boss. It helps to gain respect from your employees in the first instance. From the survey many employers listen to what their employees have to say and of course take their views into consideration. In many aspects of employment law listening to the concerns of employees and consulting with them is seen as not just good practice but also essential to the law.”

The survey polled 1183 employers and 1000 employees.