Global leadership crisis looms as 71% report surge in stress levels

PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES — The global leadership landscape is facing a critical turning point as an unprecedented number of leaders contemplate stepping down from their positions due to mounting stress and workplace pressures.
The latest findings from the DDI Global Leadership Forecast 2025 indicate a worrying trend: 40% of leaders are considering leaving their roles to improve their well-being due to increased stress.
Seventy-one percent (71%) reported a surge in their stress levels since stepping into their current role, from 63% in 2022.
The survey, which included 10,796 leaders and 2,185 HR professionals from 50 countries, highlights the strain that economic volatility and workplace changes are placing on leaders.
Trust and skill gaps undermine stability
Trust in leadership has significantly declined, with immediate manager trust plummeting to 29% in 2024, down from 46% in 2022. This drop is most pronounced among older employees, aged 50-64, indicating a severe generational divide in perceptions of leadership.
Additionally, leaders have identified critical skill gaps in areas such as strategy setting and change management, with only 22% of HR teams prioritizing these essential skills. This gap suggests potential stagnation and a lack of adaptability in many organizations.
Cultural shifts and generational challenges
Stephanie Neal, director of DDI’s Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research, emphasizes the emerging trend of ‘conscious unbossing,’ where leaders are stepping back due to the increasing demands of their roles.
“As organizations grapple with economic volatility, AI skepticism, and generational differences being amplified in the workplace, leadership is becoming a harder job — and a path that many talented people are opting out of,” Neal explains.
She adds that transformative practices such as self-reflection, open discussion, and continuous learning are crucial for leaders to transform stress into opportunities for growth and innovation.