As we move tentatively towards 2025, UK businesses will face a raft of new challenges, not least the upcoming increases to the National Minimum Wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions. These changes will significantly impact operating costs, with well-known companies like Wetherspoons forecasting £25 million in additional costs. For smaller businesses, the pressure will be even greater.

Whilst the first instinct for many employers will be to look for cost savings, the smart ones will also be ensuring that their managers are equipped to maximise productivity and performance from their teams; a strategy that has never been more critical. Without being prepared with recognised and effective management techniques—such as those taught in our ILM-accredited courses —managers risk falling short in their ability to drive efficiency and maintain team morale in a cost-sensitive environment.

Many organisations inadvertently set managers up to fail by not equipping them with the necessary skills to lead effectively. These are the three biggest issues commonly observed in undertrained managers:

1.  Avoiding Difficult Conversations

A frequent problem among undertrained managers is the avoidance of challenging conversations; or rather, the avoidance of conversations about topics that might cause conflict, such as performance, conduct, or attitude. Whether it’s addressing an employee who is consistently underperforming or tackling inappropriate workplace behaviours, many managers lack the confidence or skills to handle such discussions. This avoidance allows problems to fester, leading to reduced productivity, poor morale among team members, and, in some cases, legal risks for the business.
Those challenging conversations, when handled effectively, can resolve issues swiftly and prevent escalation. Training managers in communication techniques and conflict resolution ensures they approach these situations with confidence, fostering a more open and accountable workplace culture.

2. Upward Bullying and Manipulation

Another surprisingly common issue is something we call “upward bullying”, where employees manipulate or intimidate their managers, undermining authority and creating a toxic work environment. Without proper training, managers may struggle to assert control, allowing these dynamics to disrupt department operations. Poorly managed teams tend to lack cohesion and purpose, resulting in missed opportunities and inefficiencies.
Formal management training teaches managers how to establish boundaries, build their authority constructively, and create a culture of mutual respect. By understanding how to respond to manipulation or bullying, managers can regain control and make sound, impartial decisions that benefit the entire team and the wider organisation.

3. General Poor Team Performance
Perhaps the most significant consequence of untrained managers is the poor performance of their teams. Many managers don’t know how to set clear, meaningful objectives or hold team members accountable for achieving them. Without this structure, productivity suffers, and the team’s potential is never fully realised.

This issue is closely linked to the avoidance of difficult conversations. Managers who are unable to address underperformance or provide constructive feedback will struggle to improve outcomes, leaving their teams operating well below capacity. Proper training provides managers with the tools to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals and objectives, monitor progress, and hold team members accountable.

The Business Case for Management Training

With rising costs on the horizon, UK businesses must focus on doing more with less. Well-trained managers are essential for ensuring that teams are not just meeting but exceeding performance expectations. Organisations that invest in management training now will be better positioned to weather the financial challenges of 2025 while maintaining employee engagement and retention.

HR Champions ILM-accredited courses are designed to equip managers with practical, actionable skills that can be immediately implemented in the workplace. From communication techniques and performance management to conflict resolution and strategic planning, these courses cover the full spectrum of leadership requirements.

Start 2025 with a fresh approach. There is no better time than now to plan for your managers’ training. By enrolling them in a programme starting in the New Year, businesses can set the tone for 2025, ensuring that managers are fully equipped to meet the challenges ahead. The techniques taught in our training courses lead to measurable improvements in performance early on, helping organisations maximise productivity and achieve their goals efficiently.

Investing in your managers is an investment in your business’s future. Equip your leaders with the skills they need to inspire, motivate, and deliver results in an increasingly competitive landscape. With effective training, you can stay ahead of your competition and the challenges of 2025 can become opportunities for growth and success.

Browse the training courses on our website where you can enrol delegates directly or call us on 01452 331331 or contact via our contact page to discuss bespoke in-house training specifically for your organisation.