A recent study conducted by Breuklander Communications sheds light on a troubling trend: communication teams are struggling to keep pace with the growing demands for artificial intelligence (AI) integration, despite facing significant organizational pressure. The report, titled "The State of Communication Readiness in 2026," highlights a stark contrast between organizational expectations and the readiness of these teams to meet them as we move into 2026.
Analyzing data from workshops, assessments, and surveys gathered throughout 2024 and 2025, the study reveals that communicators rate the urgency of adopting AI at 7.4 out of 10, while evaluating its potential value at 8.1 out of 10. However, their confidence in leveraging AI effectively stands at a low 4.2 out of 10. This discrepancy poses serious operational risks.
Key findings from the report include:
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Internal Confidence Gaps: Significant confidence disparities exist within teams, ranging between four to nine points on a 10-point scale. These gaps correlate with slower response times and varying decision quality, highlighting that confidence, rather than lack of tools, hinders AI integration.
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Fears of Harm and Job Security: Concerns among communication professionals revolve around the potential risks of publishing inaccurate content and job displacement. Anonymously collected data suggests that beneath the surface of public discussions about AI’s risks lies a growing fear of losing jobs.
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Need for Structure Over Tools: Communication teams expressed a desire for more defined structures, including role-specific examples, clear guidelines on AI usage, and quality assessment criteria. Requests for additional tools and automation were minimal, indicating a fatigue with constant changes in platforms.
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Leadership and Governance: While organizations with established AI policies tend to adopt AI more predictably, they still face stagnation without structured enablement and ongoing leadership direction.
To bridge this readiness gap, the study introduces the Communication Intelligence Framework™, a four-part model emphasizing strategic advisory, decision-grade intelligence, narrative foresight, and governance. This framework aims to provide communication leaders with the clarity and structure needed to navigate the complexities of AI adoption effectively.
The "State of Communication Readiness in 2026" report is available for free download at Breuklander Communications’ website, offering vital insights for professionals looking to enhance their capabilities in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
