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Staying on top of changing IC trends


Improving the communication skills of business leaders, effective engagement to support hybrid working and embedding digital tools are among the current priorities in a fast-changing, challenging IC landscape.

Sequel Group's Employee Engagement Trends Report 2023 Q1

These are highlights from the latest insight and feedback from Sequel clients in our 10th Trends Report, launched this week.

The report is Sequel’s insightful guide to key trends in the shifting IC landscape – but this year we’re taking a more agile approach. Rapid change in the workplace continues and clients are telling us that long-term IC planning is practically impossible.

Our fresh approach means we’ll be covering off key trend topics in quarterly chunks through 2023. The first quarter’s covers the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and wellbeing on how we communicate, plus the need to set a clear digital path with tools like Microsoft 365.

And far from being a passive guide, each part of the report includes a practical ‘activity list’ to help IC professionals make an instant impact.

We asked our clients to share their thoughts on their IC environment and priorities past and future. Alongside themes like raising the profile of IC in their organisation, clients also highlighted the ongoing priority of improving the communication skills of their leaders.

The damaging cocktail of financial pressures and mental wellbeing have become a headache for internal communicators too – but they play a critical role in making sure strong communication supports employees best. A thoughtful, considerate and consistent approach will build trust.

While many said they have developed their digital workplace in recent years, they also rank embedding digital tools such as 365 among this year’s top tasks.

More than just announce new tools, we need to show them how to use them properly, for the biggest business benefit, whether that’s collaboration, information sharing or more.

We know Sequel’s trends report is useful in shaping comms strategies and sparking discussion and ideas in organisations, so make sure you keep an eye out for the next instalments in April, July and September!

To request Sequel’s 10th Employee Engagement Trends Report 2023 (Q1), click here.