Shaken by the war in Ukraine and its economic consequences, French business leaders are showing their uncertainty for 2023: 75% are concerned about their business forecasts for the coming year. But they are not giving in to defeatism. In fact, the deterioration in indicators is less marked than the context might have suggested. This Barometer, carried out in partnership with BFM Business and CCI France, presents the major outlooks of business leaders for 2023.
2023 : THE EXPECTATIVE
75% executives
are looking forward to 2023
5.2points
overall average on key indicators
-49points
a historic drop in profitability forecasts
Companies are settling into a wait-and-see posture, preparing themselves for the months ahead.
Against this backdrop, the majority of managers (58%) are opting for the status quo, a level of wait-and-see attitude not seen in 10 years.
However, the overall average of the indicators shows a certain resistance to tensions and crises. After having risen by one point in 2022, when an end to the crisis was in sight, the average decline in the indices is only 1.2 points this year, returning to their 2021 level.
All major indicators (sales, profitability and investment forecasts) are down compared to 2022.
Attractiveness
-1.7 points
Profitability
-1.4point
Investment
-1.3 points
THE MAIN RISKS PERCEIVED BY MANAGERS
No surprise there, the cost of energy has made a dramatic entry into the list of perceived risks. On the other hand, some risks that appeared to be major last year are losing their importance. Such is the case of cyber risks, which this year ranks second-to-last on the list of concerns for managers (second last year), with a marked disparity between large companies - a third of which place it in the top 3 risks - and small and medium-sized businesses.
THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF 2023
The top priority for business leaders is to overcome the multiple crises underway, relying on their adaptability and agility.
This need for resilience and adaptation in the face of sudden economic fluctuations does not, however, call into question their willingness to lead long-term transitions, provided they have the means to do so.
84% executives
consider their ability to adapt to crises to be the greatest challenge of 2023
FOCUS
How can we meet the key HR challenges of 2023?
Maintain a fair level of remuneration to build loyalty and recruit new staff
The podium of HR challenges remains the same as in 2022: retaining resources, recruiting and keeping employees engaged.
Talent retention stands out even more strongly this year, with 87% of managers rating it as a priority, particularly in view of the tensions on the job market.
When it comes to retention and recruitment, a fair level of remuneration comes out ahead of work-life balance.
Managers know they can rely on the long-term commitment of their employees.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty, the perception of employee commitment has not waned, and remains a key factor in business dynamism: over two-thirds of managers consider their teams to be highly mobilized, after 2 years of health crisis and the emergence of new tensions.
84% executives
consider their ability to adapt to crises to be the greatest challenge of 2023
TOWARDS MORE RESPONSIBLE COMPANIES?
The current crisis does not call into question the determination of managers to transform their organizations to become more responsible. However, given the scale of the challenge, the CSR commitment that is the most difficult to implement (for a third of managers) is that of total company transformation (sustainable purchasing and production equipment, offers...) towards a more responsible system that respects the environment, biodiversity and all stakeholders.
