Jessica O'ConnorMore than half of business leaders are concerned about remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving business environment, according to research from Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS).
The study, based on a survey of 500 managers, directors and C-suite executives conducted by Censuswide, found that 55% of senior decision-makers are worried about staying competent as the business landscape changes.
The findings also highlighted high levels of workplace stress.
Around 67% of respondents said they experience work-related stress at least once a week, rising to 73% among those aged 25 to 34 and 74% among leaders working in organisations with more than 250 employees.
At the same time, 73% of those surveyed said their role has become more complex over the past five years, reflecting the growing demands placed on senior leaders.
The research found that 40% of respondents regularly doubt their own judgement at work, suggesting a broader trend of uncertainty among leadership teams.
When asked about training needs, the most common priority identified was understanding artificial intelligence and how to use it effectively, selected by 40% of respondents.
This was followed by managing digital transformation projects (32%) and improving resilience and mental wellbeing (32%).
AMBS said the results point to increasing demand for practical, short-form executive education focused on applying artificial intelligence (AI), data and strategic thinking in real-world business contexts.
Elinor O’Connor, professor of work psychology at Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “Stress and responsibility are often seen as going hand-in-hand within businesses – to hold a senior management role and lead on decisions comes, many would say, with a degree of pressure and potential stress.
“This research, however, highlights far deeper concerns among managers and leaders.
“As the business world evolves at pace, with new technologies, working habits and workplace cultures to contend with, there is evidently widespread fear about remaining relevant and competent.
“That so many (40%) regularly question their judgement might not be a bad thing – introspection can be healthy in leadership – but this is clearly coupled with worries for most (55%) about whether they will get left behind as the business landscape shifts significantly.
“The research also provides valuable insight to senior leadership teams regarding the types of formal training that might allay senior decision-makers’ concerns and best equip them to fulfil their jobs now and into the future.
“AI training tops the list by some margin but managing digital transformation and improving resilience and wellbeing are clearly also extremely important areas that many senior figures within UK businesses are keen for practical support on.”
