ROLLING
MEADOWS, Ill., Feb. 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Even though the adoption of artificial intelligence
(AI) is increasing at a fast pace, 71% of organizations do not
provide internal communicators guidance on when, where or how to
use the technology, according to Gallagher's 2023/24 State of the
Sector report. Furthermore, the study, which drew insights from
more than 2,300 communication and HR leaders across 56 countries,
found that 1 in 10 communicators (13%) were unsure if their
organization was using AI.
"For many organizations, it's the Wild West with regard to how
they are adopting and implementing AI," said Ben Reynolds, Global Managing Director of
Gallagher's Communication Consulting Practice. "Because so few
organizations have an AI plan, we can connect the dots to better
understand why half of the respondents (50%) are skeptical or even
fearful about the impact of AI. That said, with an AI plan in
place, the technologies may help communicators overcome what
they've identified as two of the top three barriers in 2024, which
are the lack of time and lack of financial resources."
The State of the Sector report found communicators who are using
AI are three times more likely to believe the technology will
reduce workloads. AI adopters were also 20% more likely to believe
it will improve the quality of communications. While AI can drive
efficiencies and unlock new ways to communicate, Gallagher experts
recommend organizations focus on getting the basics right, as well
as seeking out training opportunities and feedback mechanisms to
get the best return on investment.
The Revamped Role of People Manager Communicators
New technologies designed to improve efficiencies have not
replaced the importance of human connections. In fact, more than 8
of 10 communicators (84%) said they rely on managers for
communication to some degree. The topics managers most regularly
communicate on include strategy, vision and purpose; values,
behaviors and culture; and organizational change integration
or M&A activities.
That said, 3 of 5 respondents indicated manager communication
was below expectations. Furthermore, 18% of respondents stated
"poor people manager communication skills" was one of the top
barriers to success in 2024. In response, organizations are
leveraging a number of tactics and tools to improve outcomes. The
most common resources include on-demand learning (82%), written
and/or downloadable resources to help facilitate communication
(74%), managers-only forum/communications channel (67%) and
one-to-one coaching/mentoring on communications skills (63%).
"Managers who were evaluated on their communications skills were
twice as likely to meet/exceed expectations as those who were not
evaluated. And those who weren't evaluated/accountable were more
likely to receive tools, training & resources," said
Reynolds.
Taking Stock of Communicators' Wellbeing
In addition to identifying best practices and areas for
improvement, State of the Sector looked at the wellbeing of
communicators themselves. Nearly 40% of communicators (38%)
indicated their wellbeing decreased in 2023. For many respondents,
challenges around dwindling employee attention spans (12%), lack of
leadership buy-in and understanding of the profession (27%), and
having to do more with less (23%) has likely contributed to this
deteriorated wellbeing.
"Communicators are a passionate bunch who are focused on making
meaningful changes within their organizations. Rather than putting
more weight on their shoulders, the goal of Gallagher's State of
the Sector report is to offer benchmarks and guidance to ultimately
improve the employee experience, as well as their own," Reynolds
added.
ABOUT STATE OF THE SECTOR
Gallagher's 2023/24 State of
the Sector report is based on data collected from 2,300
respondents across the world from October to November 2023. Organizations of all sizes and
more than 30 industries participated. The report highlights
Gallagher's consulting approach, which centers on the full spectrum
of organizational wellbeing by strategically investing in an
organization's employee health, talent, financial security and
career growth potential. We develop benefit and HR programs at the
right cost structures to deliver a better employee experience and
support a multigenerational workforce. Gallagher Better WorksSM, a
comprehensive approach to benefits, reward, retirement, employee
communication and workplace culture, aligns an organization's
people strategy with its overall business goals. The report can be
found here.
ABOUT GALLAGHER
Arthur J. Gallagher
& Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage,
risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in
Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries
around the world through its owned operations and a network of
correspondent brokers and consultants.
Contact:
Mary Schwartz,
Gallagher
mary_schwartz@ajg.com
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SOURCE Gallagher