I don’t care how bad the economy gets people, you should never do things for managers at work you’ll have trouble stomaching.

There’s no way around it, some bosses will take advantage of the situation and ask you to do things that are out of line. I recently wrote about how some supervisors are using the tough economy as a threat to get workers to work their butts off.

But remember, you’re no one’s slave or punching bag.

That’s why I was a little disturbed when a study came across my desk that asked, “How far employees are willing to go to impress their boss in order to create more job security?”

Turns out 80 percent of Gen Y employees say they’d do something to impress their bosses, 28 percent said they would socialize with the boss outside of the office, and 17 percent said they’d actually do a personal errand for their managers.

The study, by staffing company Randstad USA, found that older workers aren’t as inclined to kiss up as their younger counterparts. (Might explain why employers are scrambling these days to hire Gen Ys. )

Here’s a chart that breaks the questions down by age:

There was some good news in the survey.

More than three-fourths (77 percent) of employees said they positively relate to their boss and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) characterize their bosses in complimentary terms.

“A healthy employee-employer relationship based on mutual respect greatly contributes to an overall positive workplace attitude,” says Eric Buntin, managing director, marketing and operations for Randstad USA. “Employers who connect with their employees create an environment where workers are more engaged in their jobs and, thus, more productive. This can positively impact the bottom line.”

But managers have a long way to go when it comes to how they’re perceived by their subordinates, according to the poll:

Employees may like their bosses, but only half (50 percent) of those surveyed describe their bosses as competent. Even fewer, 29 percent, perceive their boss as a great role model and mentor. Only 19 percent believe their boss is their biggest advocate, and less than a quarter (22 percent) report feeling motivated by their boss.

Having a boss that motivates you is a big plus. I think I had that twice in my career and it was nice. But don’t wait for your supervisor’s inspiring words before you do your best at work and your overall career. And don’t kiss ass!!

Now go out tonight and have a drink with your friends…not your boss! Unless, that is, you really like the guy or gal.