Following our last report in 2019, ‘Into Communications: The CEO Perspective’, we are delighted to announce the launch of our latest CEO insight report, ‘Changing Communications’. The past three years have prompted a significant re-evaluation of many aspects of life, particularly in the workplace. The pandemic underscored the crucial role of communication leaders to CEOs and leadership teams, highlighting the need for an effective communications team in ensuring business success.
The Evolving Role of Communications Leaders
With the pace of change accelerating and further turbulent times anticipated, CEOs are increasingly relying on their communications leaders to drive organisational transformation. Our report seeks to explore how these leaders were impacted and how organisations navigated difficult decision-making during such uncertain times. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of communications from the perspective of CEOs during the pandemic, at present, and in the future.
“Whereas previously communications would have been one of the voices around the table, during the pandemic they really were the centre of the team. That changes the dynamic of the future.”
Carl Ennis, CEO, GB & Ireland, Siemens
Expectations for the Future
Looking towards the future, the report highlights not only what CEOs needed during the pandemic but also what they now expect and hope for from their communications leaders in the current climate. This support is crucial for their organisations’ future success.
“You can’t just say ‘Covid is over, so get back to the way it used to be, in the office at eight o’clock in the morning.’ You have to say why. What is the need for people to come together physically? This is where communication has a very important role to play.”
Hans De Cuyper, CEO, Ageas Group
Key themes emerged from our findings, emphasising the urgency to take action on matters across ESG, with a particular focus on ED&I, sustainability, and long-term climate change impacts. Consistency in messaging is crucial, as CEOs stress the importance of aligning company actions with its purpose and strategy.
“I think it is becoming more and more important for organisations to explain not just what they are doing but why they are doing it. New generations of employees – millennials and Gen Z – are more likely to ask questions like ‘Why am I doing this?’ and ‘Who am I doing it for?’”
Job Dura, Chairman Board Of Directors, Dura Vermeer Group
Opportunities for Growth
The report clearly identifies that despite the past three years being marked by fear and turbulence, there is now an opportunity to learn and grow. By distinguishing what worked and what didn’t, businesses can build a stronger, more capable workforce ready to face future challenges.
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