Unique UK research reveals what employees really want from internal comms

The first ever IC Index, a report offering valuable insights into internal communication practices…from the eyes of employees, was launched this month, marking a ground-breaking study by the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) in partnership with Ipsos Karian and Box.

The IC Index report provides an annual snapshot of employee sentiment, enabling organisations to enhance their internal communication strategies based on robust data and actionable insights, and challenging practitioners to innovate and align their practices with employee expectations.

The survey conducted in April 2023 shows that engagement was found to be higher among employees in organisations with dedicated internal communication teams, emphasising the impact of effective communication in building trust and reducing attrition rates.

The report also highlights the importance of addressing polarising topics explicitly, as engagement scores were lower for workers who felt they received insufficient information about their company’s culture and values. For the IoIC this is pivotal as the institute begins to focus on championing more difficult conversations and demonstrating credibility in thought leadership within the profession.

‘This is a really exciting change for us and a step up to help us drive up that narrative around how IC makes such a valuable contribution to business,’ shares Jennifer Sproul, Chief Executive of the Institute of Internal Communication.

With the IC Index, the IoIC aims to empower its members with compelling data to shape internal communication practices within their organisations while raising awareness of the vital role of internal communication in the media.

‘The IC Index is an opportunity to give our members solid, useable data to shape their own comms,’ adds Suzanne Peck, IoIC President (and FEIEA president).

This report represents a significant milestone in transforming internal communication in the UK, paving the way for stronger connections with employees, enhanced trust, and shared success.

The IoIC aims to continue their work with Ipsos Karian and Box to run The IC Index every year so that they can continue to monitor the changes in engagement as well as employee needs and preferences.

To view the report visit https://www.ioic.org.uk/ic-index-2023.html