Many employees like their bosses, but managers still have much work to do, according to “The State of the Manager-Employee Relationship" report released by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

The research found Nearly two-thirds of workers surveyed, 64%, said they are happy with their supervisors, and another 29% are somewhat happy with their bosses. Only 8% of workers give their manager a thumbs down.

The survey also found most professionals, 67%, don't aspire their boss's job. Among those who don't aspire their boss's job 45% cited the added stress and responsibility as the primary reasons and 27% cited a lack of desire to manage others.

"Managers can sometimes get a bad rap, but in reality most professionals understand that the job is tough and complex and may not be for everyone," said Bill Driscoll, district president for Accountemps. "The challenge for many bosses today isn't just identifying a successor but convincing that professional to step up to the challenge." 

Additional findings from the survey include:

• Workers age 18 to 34 are most eager to move up to their manager's position, with 56% saying they want their boss's job compared to 34% of respondents age 34 to 55 and 13% of those 55 and older.
• 34% have left a job because of a strained relationship with a supervisor, and 17% would feel happy if their boss left the company.
• 12% of professionals between the ages of 35 and 54 are unhappy with their boss, the largest of any age group. This group also was the most likely to have quit a job over a strained or dysfunctional relationship with a manager.
• Half of workers surveyed said their boss understands the demands of their job, but 16% noted their supervisor has little understanding of their day-to-day reality.
• 49% of millennials feel their boss recognizes their potential, compared to 67% of workers 55 and older. 
• 23% of workers consider their boss a friend, but the majority, 61%, cited their relationship as strictly professional.
• The youngest group of workers had the most extensive wish lists. Most notably, compared to the other age groups, these professionals were more likely to want their managers to provide better communication and listening, support for career progression, recognition for accomplishments and help promoting work-life balance.

The survey was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 1,000 US workers.