Even if your company has enjoyed steady success in 2025, employees are aware that there’s been a lot of economic uncertainty this year, and that many large companies have been laying off large numbers of people. This year’s end-of-year communication from your CEO is a particularly important one.
Here are five elements that you might want to include in your messaging:
Lead with what’s gone well. If you’ve had great financial results, by all means share a snapshot of the good news. If 2025 hasn’t been a great year for the business financially, look for initiatives that have gained traction, like continuous improvement successes or new markets you’ve been developing. What has the company done this year to build success?
CEOs can build employee trust by communicating bad news honestly. In Tribe’s research with employees of large companies, respondents say they’re offended when leaders spin negative news instead of just giving them the facts. If the company lost a major customer or was battered by tariffs, be clear about the impact. And then, let them know how leadership is solving for that.
Leadership reflections on the past year should always include how employees have contributed to the company’s success. If one business unit or region has seen strong growth or overcome a hurdle, give credit not just to the leaders of that group but to all the employees that helped make that happen. But don’t limit that recognition to a few groups; show gratitude for the hard work of all employees.
One of the benefits of working in a company with fast growth or in the midst of a transformation is that it affords more opportunities for employees to grow their own careers. If you can give impressive numbers for this year’s promotions, share that. Or maybe touch on the ways that various departments are incorporating AI and employees are learning new ways to leverage its power.
Finally, shine a light on the path ahead in 2026. What hard work in 2025 will begin to pay off for the company next year? What difficult changes this year were in service to the larger vision? Share the long-term view of where the company is heading, what it stands for and how employees will benefit from supporting that vision. And button that with good wishes for the holiday season.
