A new study conducted by the Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC) agency found that 84% of U.S. employees are satisfied working at a company where leaders have a voice on important events and issues.
The survey, titled “The Heartbeat of America: Public and Employee Opinions on Business and Social Issues,” was conducted by Weber Shandwick, KRC Research, Powell Tate, and United Mind.
These organizations surveyed Americans about corporate social engagement, polarization over the term “woke,” recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action and LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
The 13th nationwide joint survey by the two companies was conducted from July 7th to 10th, targeting 1,004 adults and 501 employees drawn from an online panel nationwide. The study is demographically representative of the U.S. adult population, the report said.
The survey found that most consumers expect companies to take public positions on important social issues, including 82% supporting human rights positions, 73% supporting climate change, and 72% supporting positions on human rights. % support issues of racism and 70% support issues of gun violence.
When addressing these issues, 31% of respondents said they feel proud when their company is called “woke,” and 27% say their company is “woke.” They said they were afraid that if they were recognized as such, they would become targets for attacks.
The survey also found that while few employees are confident that the federal government will ensure the safe and secure use of AI, 63% of employees are confident that their employer will ensure the safe and secure use of AI. It was also found that some respondents said that they did.
Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action, 52% see this decision as a step toward eliminating racial bias in education.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, 65% of employees surveyed say companies have a responsibility to speak out, even when issues are sensitive and controversial, This was an increase of 7% from December.
55% of consumers have taken action against or in support of a company based on their positions or actions on these issues, 44% have boycotted a company to express their protest, and 36% have of respondents said they intentionally “buycotted” products to show their support. the company’s products or services;
Weber Shandwick, a global communications agency; KRC Research, a communications and marketing research consultancy focused on global insights; Powell Tate, a D.C.-based public relations firm; and United, a global management consultancy. All minds are located within TWSC.
The company reported 2022 global and U.S. revenue of $915 million and $546 million, respectively, up 5%, according to PRWeek’s 2023 Agency Business Report.
This article originally appeared on PRWeek US.