European companies increasingly turn to interim management

A survey conducted by Robert Walters across 7 European countries, demonstrates that interim management is experiencing unprecedented growth across all business functions. In an increasingly complex and uncertain economic environment, 43% of the European companies surveyed indicates to utilize this flexible management approach in the next 12 months.

Significant increase in interim management assignments

According to the study, 43% of the companies surveyed plan to engage an interim manager in the next 12 months. The typical duration of assignments, usually ranging from 6 to 12 months, perfectly align with companies' needs for flexibility and responsiveness. In an ever-changing economic landscape, organizations must demonstrate agility to adapt to internal and external changes. Engaging an interim manager allows them to bring in specific expertise and oversee strategic projects for a defined period.

European interim managers are mostly sought within HR, finance, and general management, accounting for respectively 27%, 22%, and 20% of assignments. The most frequent reason for hiring interim professionals is temporary replacement of key positions, followed by organizational transformation. Indeed, interim managers, with their expertise and external perspective, can inject new dynamics and facilitate the implementation of innovative strategies.

Flexibility: a main benefit for companies & interim managers

Companies that use interim management highlight several benefits. The immediate and rapid impact, expertise in transformation and restructuring, and flexibility in project management are the top three advantages recognized by organizations. When faced with organizational restructuring or short-term replacement of a key position, interim managers can provide a quick and effective response to the challenges at hand. For professionals, being an interim manager offers numerous advantages, such as flexibility, a variety of assignments, and freedom. It is also a unique opportunity to develop key skills, including adaptability, leadership, and initiative. Interim management is an interesting career path for managers seeking diverse experiences and new challenges. The rise of interim management in Europe reflects the evolving needs of companies in an increasingly uncertain and complex environment. As a flexible, responsive, and expert solution, interim managers are becoming key players in organizational transformation.

For this article, Robert Walters surveyed more than 1700 companies and interim managers across France, Belgium, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.