Top skills managers need in 2025

People don’t leave companies, they leave due to bad managers. It’s a fact. In a survey by Unmind carried out last year, 67% of UK workers said they had left or considered leaving their job because of a bad manager. Every year there is new research on the subject and the statistics rarely change. We’ve all had at least one less-than-competent line manager throughout our careers. You’re probably thinking of your nightmare boss right now!

When HR Director spoke to HR leaders of ten large UK and Ireland organisations at the start of 2025, the overwhelming consensus was that striking the right balance of skills would be crucial in retaining management talent. Developing skilled, competent and confident managers is crucial in the face of the rising costs of running a business. With minimum wage and employer’s National Insurance contributions set to increase, the costs of growing your team through recruitment may be unsustainable for some organisations. Investing in existing talent by upskilling is a cost-effective alternative.

In this blog we focus on the core management skills that are essential in the modern workplace and how these support organisations and people to grow. Underneath each skill you’ll find a list of e-learning modules on that topic. If you would like more information on what’s covered, follow the link to request a summary.

These are the most in-demand management skills in 2025…

Embedding diversity

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is here to stay. An organisation’s ability to attract diverse talent and the positive impact this has on performance is a key driver of business growth. Managers have a vital role to play in embedding DEI into organisational culture. We must be open to, and accepting of, different views and perspectives, and value everyone for their individual qualities and contributions.

New recruits should feel welcome and see inclusivity at every stage of the employee experience. They want to feel confident of having every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Ask us about e-learning: Embedding organisational culture

Embracing AI and Digital Transformation

The pace of technological change can be rapid and managers have to be equipped to keep up. We should not fear Artificial Intelligence (AI), but be open to its potential to make a difference in our organisation. From streamlining processes and creating efficiencies to generating data that guides decision-making, managers need to understand the uses, benefits and risks. We must learn how to harness technology for good and feel confident using intelligent software to interpret and analyse data. If you cannot explain the business benefits, how can you help your team understand them? 

Strategic foresight and problem-solving skills

Mastering the art of long-term vision is an essential management skill. Strategic thinkers are able to create an inspiring vision of the future for their teams, which motivates them to contribute to its success.

Being a strategic thinker means you can make speedy decisions under pressure. Decisions aligned to organisational goals that drive business growth. It also describes an ability to anticipate problems and come up with creative solutions. Strategic managers consider all aspects of complex problems and come to a considered decision on what action to take, using data, insight and trends to back this up.

Ask us about e-learning: Implementing the strategic plan

Ask us about decision-making excellence

Emotional Intelligence and human-centric leadership

People focused managers create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels safe and understood. Self-awareness and empathy are core elements of emotional intelligence that help a manager to build strong relationships.

When you learn to manage your own thoughts and feelings and recognise them in your team it creates a positive atmosphere, improves team communication and supports conflict resolution. Your team will feel supported knowing that their perspective has been heard and understood.

Continuous learning and adaptability

The best managers have a desire to keep learning and improve their skills to inspire others to do the same. It not only drives personal performance, but enhances and motivates your team. Going forward you can celebrate your achievements as a team.

Continuous learning lends itself to being adaptable and responsive to change. With an open, flexible mindset, you do not fear change and build resilience within your team.

Ask us about e-learning: Managing change

Sustainability and ethical leadership

Strong values and morals are a priority for younger generations entering the workplace. According to Harvard University, “a focus on sustainable, ethical management practice is key to driving an organisation’s success. Those who practice ethical leadership have positive corporate cultures where employees are engaged, motivated and feel good about coming to work”.

The focus for managers in 2025 is to build a culture of trust, respect and honesty visible from inside and outside the organisation.

Effective communication and negotiation

Communication breakdown is often the cause of workplace conflict. Managers must be equipped to communicate at all levels in order to guide colleagues through change, give and receive feedback effectively, and encourage their team to grow and develop.

Developing active listening skills and engaging in open two-way communication leads managers to become a better decision-makers and boosts confidence in conflict resolution. 

Are you looking to improve management skills in the workplace?

Investing in learning and development is the cost-effective path to future business success. Focusing on upskilling managers creates a sustainable management pipeline with the core skills and competencies your organisation needs to grow. When managers have the skills and know-how to deliver strategy, boost productivity and lead teams with purpose, they become more confident and effective people managers.

Explore our e-learning platform

We have a range of leadership and management training modules accessible through our e-learning platform. As well as the titles listed above, training for managers includes:

• Transitioning to management - the first year

• Team working excellence

• Delegation skills

• SMART objectives

• Performance - coaching and goal setting

• Coaching rising stars

For an overview of our e-learning modules, and to find out how to access them, please call us on 0161 941 2426.

Further reading  

To explore more on this topic, take a look at our blogs on Adaptive Leadership and Emotional Intelligence at Work.