Obstacles remain, but the drivers have changed
Between December 2024 and June 2025, income and economic uncertainty remained a higher concern for business leaders. However, the other most frequently quoted challenge has changed. In December 2024, labor problems (46%), income and sales growth (39%) and uncertain economic conditions (37%) were the biggest concerns. In the survey on the environment of humans, uncertain economic conditions were the most external factor cited (55%), followed by income and sales growth (41%) and prices (41%).
This change underlines the dynamic nature of the commercial environment, the attention moving away from the challenges of labor to economic and political uncertainty.
The leaders are resolved, invoicing strategic plans
Despite the challenges and the decrease in economic optimism, business leaders remain resolved in their strategic planning. Politics uncertainty (74%), customer demand changes and market volatility (both 37%) are the main external factors leading to changes in strategic plans.
Our survey data suggests that if some business leaders delay strategic plans in 2026 (23%), most of them maintain their deadlines for 2025 (21%) or proceeded as planned without any change (40%). Some accelerate their plans (14%), adapting to the difficult economic landscape.
This determination to move forward with growth strategies – faced with uncertainty – reflects a resilient state of mind among the managers of the intermediate market.