The ICCO says that its Next Gen Group is a dynamic team of young PR practitioners dedicated to shaping the future of the industry.

The ICCO Next-Gen PR Report for 2023 to 2024 offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of public relations and the strategic steps needed to empower the future leaders of this field.

Grzegorz Szczepanski, President of ICCO, says, "The ICCO Next Gen Group was established to ensure that the voices of emerging PR professionals are heard and valued in shaping the future of our industry. Our dedicated team, representing diverse regions worldwide, has focussed on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by young professionals."

"Through the ICCO Next-Gen PR Report for 2023 to 2024, we aimed to uncover key drivers, challenges and opportunities for the next generation. The report highlights that while creativity remains a central motivation, there is a growing need for purpose-driven work and support for mental well-being. By actively engaging with these insights, we are committed to developing best practices and solutions that will not only attract but also nurture the future leaders of public relations," adds Szczepanski.

According to the ICCO, the report highlights that while salary remains a top priority for 60% of respondents when considering job opportunities, factors such as career growth potential (49%), work-life balance (39%) and company culture (29%) also play significant roles in their decision-making process.

This diverse set of motivations underscores the need for the PR industry to create environments that not only foster creativity but also offer meaningful impact and growth opportunities, the report says. 

A standout finding is that 71% of young professionals identify growth and development as their key professional inspirations, challenging the stereotype that Gen Z seeks an easier path and revealing instead a generation eager to tackle professional challenges and advance in their careers.

Despite the positive drivers, the report also uncovers challenges, with two-thirds (64%) of respondents reporting a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing due to their jobs in the past year. This statistic demands an urgent need for PR agencies to prioritise employee well-being and mental health support, according to the report.

Looking ahead, the report also showcases a workforce with a mixed sense of optimism about PR as a career path, with 68% of respondents planning to stay in the PR industry for the foreseeable future, yet only a quarter (28%) expressing a desire to make it their lifelong career.

In order to retain quality talent in the industry, the report uncovers key skills and areas for development that will shape the industry’s next era. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) emphasised the importance of mastering AI skills, reflecting the growing integration of technology in PR and the need to embrace technological advancements.

Furthermore, the report shows where the next generation differs in its views from that of agency leaders interviewed in the ICCO World Report. The Next Gen ranks skills such as crisis counseling and creativity significantly higher — 50% versus 27% and 37% versus 22% respectively — while agency leaders focus on strategic consulting and purpose / ESG — 40% versus 33% and 32% versus 20% respectively. 

"It's not surprising that there's a disparity between generations when it comes to their view of the industry, but it is crucial to be mindful of this to ensure we're attracting and, perhaps more importantly, retaining the best talent," says Morten Vester Haldrup of the ICCO Next Gen Group. 

"The results indicate that there is a need to start having open and honest conversations so that we can bridge the gaps between these groups. The key priorities for current business leaders should be investing in workplace culture, mental health support and competitive compensation. While none of this is done overnight, we hope this year's ICCO Next-Gen PR Report helps to highlight some of the most important considerations for this next generation," adds Haldrup.

A Call to Action: Building a Sustainable Future for PR

The ICCO says that the report is not just a snapshot of the current state of the industry — it's a roadmap for the future of PR globally. The ICCO Next Gen Group emphasises the need for the industry to adapt and evolve in response to the findings, which will be presented and discussed at the ICCO Global Summit 2024 in Istanbul on Wednesday, 9 October and Thursday, 10 October.

The group concludes that it is committed to working closely with all parts of the industry to highlight best practices, explore new ideas, and ensure that the voices of young professionals are not only heard but acted upon. As the report says, "The future of PR lies in the hands of these young professionals. It's time we started listening to what they have to say."

Individuals are encouraged to download the report here. 

For more information, visit www.iccopr.com. You can also follow the ICCO on Facebook or on X. 

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