Gravity Research x ECC Communicators Survey
Corporate executives are currently facing a wide scope of reputational challenges, including rapid AI advancement, political polarization, economic uncertainty, and shifting DEI expectations. To better understand how senior communicators are adapting, Gravity Research partnered with the Executive Communication Council (ECC) to survey communications executives across the Fortune 500 and Global 1000. Our Q2 findings reveal the key issues shaping C-suite strategies—and how executives are responding.
Key Findings
AI is here—but integration is lagging
Nearly half (48%) of communications leaders now use AI tools in their workflows, but 60% report that their teams lack the training needed to adapt to AI-driven changes. Privacy concerns are also rising, with 62% of executives across B2B and B2C firms saying they worry that AI-enabled data usage may erode consumer trust.
Economic concerns and U.S. political divisions are informing comms strategies
49% of respondents named political polarization as the biggest external force shaping their communications strategy—up 38% from Q2 2023. Effects of shifting policy are also having an impact, with 27% of respondents across industries feeling ‘very concerned’ or ‘extremely concerned’ about reputational fallout from tariff-driven price increases.
DEI remains an internal flashpoint
2 in 5 communicators report receiving regular internal pushback to maintain corporate commitments to DEI, with employees mainly focusing on inclusion, transparency, and equal advancement opportunity. As a result, 69% of executives are reaffirming DEI commitments via internal communications.
Download the full report to learn more about how senior communicators are responding to mounting pressures during a period of heightened political and reputational risk
Methodology
The Gravity x ECC 2025 Executive Communicators Survey collected 147 responses from senior communications leaders at Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies and ECC member organizations between April 21 and May 2, 2025.
