Only 23% of employees are engaged worldwide, according to Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace report.
Imagine walking into a room of 100 employees and knowing that nearly 80 of them are just going through the motions. For internal communications professionals, that number isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action.
Gallup’s findings paint a stark picture of the modern workplace, one where employees feel unheard, stressed, and disconnected. But it’s also a moment of opportunity. Internal communicators are uniquely positioned to flip the script and lead meaningful change.
The Alarming Numbers: Disengagement, Stress, and Turnover
Here are just a few of the hard-hitting numbers from the report:
- Only 33% of U.S. employees are actively engaged.
- 41% of workers globally report feeling daily stress.
- Over 50% of employees are "quiet quitting"—they're not outright leaving, but they’ve mentally checked out.
This isn’t just an HR problem. Disengagement costs businesses billions in lost productivity, turnover, and missed opportunities. It's time for communication to take the center stage.
What’s Causing the Disconnect?
The root of these challenges often lies in poor communication. Employees don’t just want to know what they should do—they want to understand why.
Here’s what’s going wrong:
- Managers aren’t communicating clearly, and many employees don’t understand their roles.
- Leadership is failing to deliver purpose-driven messages that inspire and align.
- Many companies lack structured listening channels, leaving employees feeling unheard.
These gaps create a workplace where people feel stressed, disengaged, and disconnected from the company’s mission.
Why Internal Comms Is Now Business-Critical
Internal communications can no longer be treated as a “nice-to-have.” It’s now a strategic function that directly impacts employee performance and business outcomes.
- Trust gaps between leadership and employees can be narrowed with consistent, authentic messaging.
- Comms professionals help shape the values, culture, and direction of the company.
- When done right, internal comms improves retention, productivity, and morale.
Top 3 Actions Comms Leaders Must Take Now
1. Embed Purpose in Every Message
Make sure every piece of communication connects to a larger mission. When employees understand the “why,” they’re more likely to care.
2. Strengthen Manager Communications
Frontline managers need help. Provide them with ready-to-use message templates, talking points, and training so they can communicate with confidence and clarity.
3. Prioritize Listening and Feedback
Regular pulse surveys, town halls, and digital suggestion boxes to help teams feel heard. Listening isn’t just about collecting feedback—it’s about acting on it.
How Data Can Shape Comms Strategy
Data is a powerful ally. By tracking metrics like:
- Employee engagement scores
- Net Promoter Score (eNPS)
- Email open and click rates
…comms teams can see what’s working and what’s not. Data also allows for personalized communication, so employees get the right message, at the right time, on the right channel.
Successful companies use data to continuously optimize their internal communications, and it shows in their results.
The Role of Tech: Empowering Smarter Comms
With hybrid and global teams, reaching every employee is harder than ever. That’s where modern communication platforms come in.
Technology helps comms teams:
- Segment audiences for targeted messages.
- Automated delivery across multiple channels (email, app, SMS, etc.).
- Track performance in real time to improve future communications.
A smart platform makes internal communication faster, easier, and more effective.
Why Organizations Trust Sparrow Connected
Sparrow Connected is trusted by leading organizations to solve the very challenges highlighted in Gallup’s report. Our platform includes:
- Advanced audience segmentation
- Omnichannel message delivery
- Employee feedback and pulse survey features
One of our clients saw a 300% increase in engagement after switching to Sparrow Connected—just by delivering more relevant, timely messages to the right employees.
We’re always evolving to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Whether your team is remote, on-site, or hybrid, Sparrow Connected helps you stay connected with them all. Our mission is to empower internal communicators to create meaningful change—and we do it every day.
Comms Has the Power to Change the Workplace
Gallup’s report is more than a wake-up call—it’s a spotlight on a real opportunity. Internal communications professionals hold the key to transforming workplace culture, reducing stress, and boosting engagement.
If you need more help Book a Free 30-Minute IC Consultation let Sparrow Connected help you turn data into action that drives results.
What’s Next?
