[SURVEY] Cegos 2025 barometer on First-time Managers
As an international leader in Learning & Development, the Cegos Group is committed to supporting organizations and their teams through the many transformations (technological, societal, environmental, managerial...) they are facing today.
Cegos, international leader in Learning & Development, has launched a brand-new international barometer dedicated to first-time managers, employees taking on managerial responsibilities for the very first time.
Conducted in March 2025 across 10 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, the study sheds light on the journey, expectations, and challenges of this strategic managerial tier, crucial to both organisational performance and the many transformations companies must drive.
Through this study, Cegos gives a voice to those who have taken on a managerial role within the past two years, as well as to Human Resources (HR) Directors and Managers, to better understand their respective expectations regarding the role of first-time managers and the skills they are expected to master.
89% of first-time managers are thriving in their role, yet 67% report a rising workload.
Discover the balance between first-time managers' motivation, transformation, and pressure revealed in the latest Cegos Group International Barometer.
What is this survey about?
The Cegos Group 2025 International Barometer is an international survey dedicated to first-time managers - those taking on managerial responsibilities for the very first time.
Carried out in March 2025, this survey gathered insights from 4,271 first-time managers and 441 HR and Training decision makers. It was conducted across 10 countries in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Chile), and Asia (Singapore).
Key findings: what you need to know
- Highly motivated: 89% of first-time managers are satisfied with their performance, and 77% would recommend the role.
- Under pressure: 67% report a growing workload; 47% lack time for the human aspect of their role.
- Supportive onboarding: 74% received support, and 56% were trained before assuming the role.
- AI & CSR involvement: 78% contribute to AI adoption, and 77% are engaged in CSR initiatives.
- Recruitment challenge: 42% of HR professionals struggle to recruit first-time managers and 68% say internal candidates lack soft skills.
- Managerial motivations: Top reasons include better compensation (37%), solving operational problems (37%), and driving performance (31%).
- Top the soft skills: Leadership, communication, and fast decision-making are the most critical skills to develop.
Infographic snapshot: the first-time manager in 2025
Click on the image below to download the full infographic
“First-time managers see themselves first and foremost as builders of collective performance. Their priority is clear — to strengthen their team and deliver tangible results.”
Christelle Delavaud, Personal Development Offer and Expertise Manager at Cegos