Contents
Overview
The Betterworks Matrix Manager feature allows an employee to be assigned more than one manager in Betterworks. This supports flexible organizational structures, such as project-based oversight, dotted-line reporting, or specialized functional guidance.
When enabled by an administrator, a matrix manager can view or edit conversations between a primary manager and their direct report, acting on the primary manager's behalf. This functionality applies to both Scheduled and Anytime Conversations and provides the following benefits.
- Reporting Flexibility: Supports modern, cross-functional organizational structures that require more than a single direct manager.
- Delegated Support: Enables matrix managers to contribute to performance discussions, ensuring continuity if a primary manager is unavailable.
- Centralized Visibility: Eliminates the need for informal workarounds by formalizing secondary oversight within the application.
- Accountability: Maintains a record of all edits made by matrix managers to ensure transparency.
Configuration
Administrators control matrix manager access at the conversation template level.
- Go to Admin → Program Management → Conversations → Templates.
- Create a new conversation template or edit an existing one.
- Scroll down to the Permissions section.
- Select one of the following options:
- No Access
- View
- Edit
-
Save the template.
Permissions
Access levels are strictly governed by the configuration chosen in the specific conversation template.
Usage
Once permissions are granted, matrix managers will see a new Matrix Manager section in their Reporting Line. This section allows them to access the conversations of their matrix reports.
- Read-only Mode: If granted View access, the conversation will clearly reflect this status.
- Contributing: If granted Edit access, matrix managers can contribute or update responses directly on the manager's behalf.
FAQs
Can a matrix manager start their own separate conversation thread?
No. Matrix managers can only view or edit the existing conversation between the primary manager and the employee; they cannot initiate a separate conversation thread.
How is accountability maintained?
Any actions performed by a matrix manager, particularly edits to a conversation, are recorded by the Betterworks application for audit and accountability purposes.