There has been quite a bit of commentary following the publication of IC Index 2023 this month. The Institute of Internal Communication and Ipsos Karian and Box have delivered a comprehensive and rigorous report, which contains real insights - but also some reminders of persistent concerns.
Take trust in CEO communication, for example. Worryingly,
the report shows that only 54% of employees trust what their CEO communicates. It’s
a concern that has echoed through the years. Many leaders and internal
communicators are still seeking to resolve it.
Another example: more than half of employees do not see
their organisations listening to and acting on feedback. Again, a long-standing
issue, on which the dial does not seem to be moving - despite all the options available.
This is more about culture than capability: if organisations aren’t really committed
to fostering genuine dialogue, no technology can fix it.
The report also shows that many employees want to hear more
from managers, yet one in three of those managers feels ill-equipped to lead conversations.
Managers clearly need support - but it is a familiar cry for help. It’s
frustrating to see such issues persist, nearly 15 years after the MacLeod Review
highlighted ‘engaging managers’ as a crucial enabler of employee engagement. Of
course, that Review also identified a strong strategic narrative and employee
voice as two other drivers...
There is much in this report for communicators to consider
in the context of their own organisation. There are important insights, such as
the 15 minutes we have to connect with employees each day. There are also some
nuggets that challenge received wisdom (for example, the fact that email
remains the preferred method for employees to receive news may put a
dent in ‘shiny
new toy syndrome’). However, it’s disappointing that so many long-standing issues
remain unresolved and to see the impact these have on employees.
Surely, now is the time to take action.
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