The Path to Productivity, Performance, and Profit
2023 State of Business Communication
In 2022, our State of Business Communication report with The Harris Poll found that miscommunication costs US businesses $12,506 per employee per year. Now more than ever, there is a direct line between effective communication and business results. Our 2023 report explores the daily impacts of miscommunication and how companies can activate effective communication to achieve goals. Identify opportunities to get the most out of this essential part of business.
A perfect storm: Communication challenges are growing
Today’s hybrid workplace is a whirlwind of communication. Quantity has increased, but quality is declining. The result is that businesses spend more time on a critical function and do it poorly, impeding efficiency and employee well-being.
+18%
written communication
Time spent on written communication has grown since last year
-12
effectiveness
Leaders report a 12% decline in the effectiveness of written communication
-15%
productivity
Leaders report a 15% decline in productivity due to poor communication at work
+7%
stress
Knowledge workers report a 7% increase in stress due to poor communication at work
Strong communication is the key to transforming business forecasts
Whether businesses win or lose depends on the effectiveness of their communication. Our study found that more seamless, empathetic, and high-quality communication among hybrid teams leads to cost savings, new deals, and a better brand reputation.
Avoid the bottom-line risk
38%
of business leaders report that ineffective communication increases costs
20%
of business leaders state that inadequate communication has eroded brand reputation
19%
of business leaders lost deals due to poor communication
Capture the business opportunity
26%
of business leaders report that effective communication lowered costs
50%
of business leaders state that quality communication improved their brand reputation
33%
of business leaders say they have gained new deals thanks to strong communication
Investing in team communication empowers businesses to achieve blue-sky goals
Prioritizing investments in people's communication abilities enables each person to be proactive, responsive, and efficient at work. When communication is effective, it turns interactions into relationships and abstract business strategy into shared motivation.
Performance improves with confidence
- Confident writers
- Unconfident writers
Confidence in their work
Engagement in their role
Mental well-being at work
Reduce miscommunication for a brighter business forecast
The return on effective communication is clear as day—engaged employees, happy customers, and optimized productivity. These circumstances lead to revenue windfalls and business success.
Leaders report positive effects when communication is done right
72% say it increases productivity
63% experience higher customer satisfaction
60% notice more employee confidence
41% say it decreases their stress
Discover the full story
These numbers are just a sample of our findings with The Harris Poll. Uncover additional insights on the state of communication at work by downloading the full report now.
