IC Index 2026: The reality check

IC Index 2026: The reality check

The world of work has changed. Change itself has become relentless, and for many employees the pressure to adapt, absorb and deliver has never been greater. Uncertainty is no longer a temporary state. For many organisations, it has become the operating environment.

Against that backdrop, the declining trust and advocacy scores in this year's IC Index are not a surprise. They are a signal.

Now in its fourth year, the IC Index is produced by the Institute of Internal Communication in partnership with Ipsos Karian and Box. Based on the views of 5,000 UK workers, this year's report goes deeper into the specific challenges keeping leaders and communication professionals up at night: trust, change, artificial intelligence and psychological safety.

The data is clear on where organisations are falling short. It is equally clear on what happens when internal communication is treated as a strategic priority. Whether you want to build advocacy, communicate change more effectively or support leaders to connect with their people, the IC Index 2026 gives you the evidence to make your case and the insight to act on it.

Download the full report below.