HR organisations brace for leadership exodus in Europe fuelled by rising stress and burnout, DDI report finds

Eighty percent of HR organisations in Europe are predicting a surge in the need for new leadership capabilities in the next five years. However, only 22% of HR organisations have prioritised addressing the top four most critical skill gaps within current development plans. Eighty percent of HR organisations inEuropeare predicting a surge in the need for new leadership capabilities in the next five years. However, only 22% of HR organisations have prioritised addressing the top four most...

Eighty percent of HR organisations in Europe are predicting a surge in the need for new leadership capabilities in the next five years. However, only 22% of HR organisations have prioritised addressing the top four most critical skill gaps within current development plans.

A lack of adequate training and support for existing and new leaders could be having an even more worrying effect on Europe's leadership talent, as the DDI data also highlights the increasing risk of stress and burnout among leaders in Europe.

Lack of time leads to burnout amongst Europe's leaders

According to the report, less than one fifth (19%) of leaders said they have sufficient time to fulfil their responsibilities at work, highlighting a critical failure in European organisations to effectively manage and protect leaders' time and support their development.

In fact, further data from the report shows that over half (54%) of Europe's leaders experienced significant increase in stress since stepping into their current roles. Of these leaders, 72% are concerned about burnout and 40% have considered abandoning leadership roles entirely as a result.

"The report highlights a critical threat to Europe's leadership pipeline," explains Bruce Watt, Ph.D, Senior Vice President at DDI. "When leaders are stressed and burning out, it creates a dangerous ripple effect throughout organisations. The solution lies in how we develop and support our leaders. Organisations that invest in targeted skill development and give their leaders the time and tools to succeed don't just prevent burnout — they create resilient leadership teams that drive sustainable business performance. The choice is clear: invest in protecting and developing leaders today, or risk compromising organisational health and performance tomorrow."

This latest report from DDI serves as a reminder that balancing economic pressures with long-term leadership development is essential for sustainable success in today's volatile global landscape.

The Europe Leadership report forms part of DDI's Global Leadership Forecast series, the largest and longest-running leadership study of its kind, based on insights from nearly 13,000 leaders and HR professionals, across 50 countries, including 223 CEOs.

For more information, including the full Global Leadership Forecast report series, visit ddiworld.com/research/global-leadership-forecast-2025

About DDI

DDI is a global leadership consulting firm that helps organisations hire, promote and develop exceptional leaders. From first-time managers to C-suite executives, DDI is by leaders' sides, supporting them in every critical moment of leadership. Built on five decades of research and experience in the science of leadership, DDI's evidence-based assessment and development solutions enable millions of leaders around the world to succeed, propelling their organisations to new heights. For more information, visit ddiworld.com.

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