Call to Business Leaders and Boards to Rethink Risk and Marketplace Expectations: Page Society-Harris Poll Study Finds Only 26% of Global Public Confident in Business

Core Insights - Global confidence in businesses is low, with only 26% expressing confidence, varying significantly by region, from 14% in Japan and Italy to 48% in Saudi Arabia [1] - The research identifies six key areas for businesses to focus on to rebuild trust, emphasizing the need for clear communication of actions taken [1] - A parallel study of Chief Communication Officers (CCOs) highlights risks for 2025, including backlash against ESG/DEI initiatives and geopolitical challenges, while also identifying opportunities in responsible technology adoption [2] Key Areas of Focus - Economic Stability and Growth: Stabilizing the economy and securing financial well-being [4] - Job Creation and Workforce Skills Development: Urgent investment in skills development for the future [4] - Addressing Corruption: Demanding ethical practices and building foundations of trust [4] - Environmental Issues: Critical action to combat climate change and promote sustainability [4] - Research and Technological Innovation: Responsible harnessing of technology for ethical innovation [4] - Mental Health Issues: Prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace [4] Regional Insights - Australia, China, and the UK rank corruption as the top issue, while the US, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, UAE, India, Germany, China, Canada, and Brazil prioritize economic stability [4] - France highlights income inequality and gender equality as major concerns, and the UAE ranks trust in societal institutions higher than other regions [4] Survey Methodology - The research was conducted online across 14 countries with a total of 15,193 adult respondents, ensuring a diverse representation [3] - The survey was conducted from December 17th to 23rd, 2024, with a credible interval of ±1.0 percentage points at the global level [6]