Becoming a manager for the first time
is a career milestone, but it can often
come with pressure, uncertainty, and
a steep learning curve.
We wanted to understand what
stepping into leadership really looks
like in 2025. So we asked those living
it: the managers taking on their first
teams, and the HR and L&D leaders
supporting them.
The findings are clear: these
managers are capable and
committed, but they’re under strain.
Many lack the time, tools, or training
to lead with confidence. And too
often, their reality doesn’t match the
assumptions made about them.
This barometer is our way of listening
and learning. It shows what matters
most to new managers, where the
real gaps lie, and how L&D can close
them before they grow.
