A recent study in Canva’s State of Visual Communication Report reflected a distinct mismatch between how India’s Gen Z workforce likes to work and how businesses still operate.

The study points out that even though 94% of Indian Gen Z professionals report that they perform best visually, just 22% of global organisations label themselves as “design-led.”

This gap, the study proposes, hinders productivity and causes friction within teams.

With four generations now collaborating, each with dissimilar communication tendencies, the conflict between text-dominated systems and visual-led practices is increasingly apparent.

Based on the study, managers who adapt to this change can increase efficiency, refine output, and retain young talent.

THE BRAIN SCIENCE BEHIND

For the first time, neuroscience was employed to quantify the impact of visual content in the workplace.

Researchers used Steady State Topography (SST) to monitor live brain activity. Results indicated that in contrast to dry or text-based design, impactful visual content evoked:

• 74% more rapid memory encoding

• 26% increased emotional response to documents

• 21% increased emotional response to visual presentations

Meanwhile, 76% of respondents admitted to losing interest in content-heavy writing, while 91% added that images better explain ideas.

WHAT GENZ WANTS IN REAL?

The report underscores that Gen Z is forcing organisations to shift:

• 93% in India consider visual communication skills essential to their professional success.

• 69% in India desire their organisations to adopt a visual-first strategy.

• 78% in India state trying out AI tools would enhance their work processes.

However, 90% report their creativity is stifled at work, primarily due to the use of outdated tools. Teams manage between 12 platforms a week just to complete projects, and both managers and employees confess to using unauthorised tools to get work completed.

BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS

The financial burdens of bad visual communication are increasing. 85% of business leaders around the world report it causes delays and confusion. In contrast, those that align communication style with workforce requirements report:

1. 66% more transparent communication of complicated concepts

2. 61% more powerful brand coherence

Canva’s India Country Manager Chandrika Deb has stated: “When businesses adopt a visual-first strategy, they don’t only enhance productivity but also open up creativity and attract talent.”

The report reveals that visual tools and AI are not optional anymore. They are defining how future companies will operate in the upcoming era of work.

– Ends