New research out today delivers a clear message: if leaders want trust, action and loyalty from employees, they need to communicate with empathy, honesty, clarity – and a genuine human connection.
The Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), in partnership with Ipsos Karian and Box, has published the IC Index 2025, based on the views of almost 5,000 UK employees. The findings paint a striking picture: employees are tired of distant leadership and vague messages. They want real conversations. They want to feel seen, heard and understood.
Now in its third year, the IC Index reveals just how critical it is not to lose the human side of communication. This year’s findings make it clear: people need leaders who are open, present and truly listening to build trust — yet only just over half of employees feel understood by their leaders, falling to under 40% among non-managers.
Care, connection and clarity aren’t optional – they are essential. These qualities are what help employees understand strategy, navigate change, and feel like they belong. Without them, trust erodes – and performance suffers.
Six headline findings from the IC Index 2025:
- Only 13% of employees give their organisation top marks for internal communication
- Just 51% feel leaders demonstrate empathy and understand the challenges they face
- A striking 82% say they are clearer on strategy when they hear directly from the CEO or most senior leader
- Just 56% believe difficult changes – like restructures or redundancies – are communicated with care
- Only 41% say their employer has clearly explained how generative AI is used responsibly in their organisation
- 64% say their job is an important part of their identity – underscoring the emotional stakes of internal communication
“This year’s IC Index reveals a critical truth: people want to connect with their leaders, and they want leaders who genuinely understand them,” said Jennifer Sproul, Chief Executive of the Institute of Internal Communication. “In an age of rapid change and technological disruption, organisations can’t afford to strip the humanity out of communication.”
The report is rich with data, insights and real-world implications for comms, HR and leaders – offering clear direction on how to move from message-pushing to meaningful dialogue, and build cultures rooted in trust and clarity.
Download the full IC Index 2025 to explore the six key takeaways, explore the data in depth, and build internal communication strategies that truly connect.