Leadership today requires more than just meeting quarterly goals. It also involves shaping the future for both the business as well as its people in a challenging environment.
There are still striking gaps between what leaders require and what development organizations provide. The Europe Leadership Report, 2025 by DDI is a comprehensive study based on the insights of 428 leaders, 250 HR professionals and 18+ countries.
In Europe, 80 percent of HR organizations predict a rise in demand for new leadership skills in the next five to ten years. Only 22% of HR organizations have prioritized addressing the four most critical skills gaps in their current development plans.
- Only 13% of leaders have been trained on how to set strategy.
- Engagement of employees: 55% consider it critical, yet only 15% have developed this area.
- Only 8% of those who have received relevant training are able to identify and develop future talent.
- Just 14% of leaders have been trained in decision making, yet 51% believe that it is vital.
The DDI data shows that leaders are increasingly stressed and burned out in Europe.
Europe’s leaders are burnt out due to lack of time
The report shows that less than a fifth (19%) leaders feel they have enough time to fulfill their work responsibilities. This highlights a failure of European organisations to manage their time effectively, protect it, and promote their development.
Further data in the report shows that more than half of Europe’s top leaders (54%) have experienced a significant increase in their stress levels since taking on their current positions. Seventy-two percent of these leaders are worried about burnout, and forty percent have even considered quitting their leadership positions.
Bruce Watt, Ph.D., Senior Vice-President at DDI, explains that the report reveals a serious threat to Europe’s pipeline of leaders. “When leaders burn out and are under stress, this creates a ripple effect that is dangerous for the entire organisation. How we support and develop our leaders is the solution. Organisations who invest in skill development for their leaders and provide them with the tools and time to succeed not only prevent burnout, but also create resilient leadership teams which drive sustainable business results. “Invest in developing and protecting leaders today or risk compromising the health and performance of your organisation tomorrow.”
This report by DDI is a timely reminder that balancing the economic pressures of today with long-term development in leadership is crucial for success.
The Europe Leadership Report is part of DDI’s global leadership forecast series. It is the largest and most-long-running study of its type, based upon insights from more than 13,000 HR professionals and leaders in 50 countries, 223 of whom are CEOs.
For more information, including the full Global Leadership Forecast report series, visit ddiworld.com/global-leadership-forecast-2025
The first time HR news published the article HR organizations brace for a leadership exodus fuelled by stress and burnout.
