According to Canva’s annual ‘State of Visual Communication Report,’ there is a notable disconnect between the work preferences of Gen Z employees and the practices of many companies. The report reveals that 94 percent of Gen Z professionals in India prefer to work visually, a preference supported by neuroscience that highlights the effectiveness of visual content. However, only 22 percent of organizations globally identify as “design-led,” leading to challenges that inhibit productivity and engagement.
As multiple generations coexist in the workplace, each with unique communication styles, the report indicates that rising inefficiencies arise from the clash between visual and traditional communication methods. Leaders who adapt to Gen Z’s visual-first approach are likely to enhance workplace efficiency, boost creativity, and improve talent acquisition and retention as the workforce continues to evolve.
The report also emphasizes that high-quality visual content facilitates quicker memory retention and evokes greater emotional responses. In contrast, many respondents indicate that they tend to lose interest in text-based communication. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence is increasingly simplifying the introduction of visual elements into communication strategies.
The findings were published on September 15, 2025.
