Only 3% of companies have scaled back sustainability communication or initiatives over the past year, according to a new global survey by Workiva, underscoring continued corporate momentum on ESG despite regulatory and political uncertainty.

The findings come from Workiva’s 2026 Executive Benchmark Report, based on a survey of nearly 1,500 professionals across finance, sustainability, internal audit, operations and legal teams, alongside more than 300 institutional investors in the U.S., UK and Canada.

Caution in Messaging, Not in Action

While sustainability initiatives largely remain intact, communication strategies are evolving. The report shows that 43% of companies have become more cautious in how they communicate externally about sustainability over the past year, even as they continue to progress internally. In contrast, 47% report becoming more open in communicating their sustainability efforts.

Only 6% of respondents said their sustainability communication has remained unchanged. Just 3% reported pausing or reducing sustainability communication or initiatives, indicating that retrenchment remains marginal despite shifting policy landscapes.

The data suggests that companies are recalibrating how they present sustainability externally, rather than retreating from underlying commitments.

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Financial Performance Now Leads as Primary Driver

The survey highlights a shift in corporate motivation. Financial performance and profitability have become the most frequently cited drivers of sustainability initiatives, overtaking traditional risk-based framing. Only 12% of companies identified risk mitigation as their primary driver.

This evolution reflects a broader integration of ESG into core business strategy, positioning sustainability as a contributor to growth and competitiveness rather than solely a defensive measure.

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Investors Continue to Demand ESG Integration

Investor expectations remain firmly aligned with sustainability integration. According to the survey, 94% of institutional investors consider ESG factors in investment decisions. Additionally, 97% agree that both financial and non-financial data are essential for evaluating long-term risk.

These findings reinforce the continued importance of ESG disclosures and integrated reporting frameworks, even as regulatory approaches vary across jurisdictions.

Andromeda Wood, Vice President of Regulatory Strategy at Workiva, noted that sustainability teams are navigating a complex environment marked by competing pressures, balancing business benefits with regulatory and reputational considerations.

The survey results suggest that, despite louder public debates around ESG, corporate practice and investor demand remain largely intact. Companies may be adjusting their tone, but the underlying trajectory of sustainability integration appears to be continuing.

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