Workiva Inc. Champions Integrated Reporting Amid Policy Uncertainty

In a compelling press release dated February 12, 2025, Workiva Inc. (NYSE: WK) announced the results of its 2025 Executive Benchmark Survey, which underscores the increasing importance of integrating financial and sustainability data. The survey, which included responses from 1,600 global leaders, revealed that an overwhelming 97% of executives believe that sustainability reporting will provide a competitive advantage within the next two years. Furthermore, 96% of investors concur that such integration strengthens financial performance.

Despite prevailing policy uncertainties, the commitment among executives to integrate sustainability into their business practices remains steadfast. The data indicates a significant trend, with over 10,000 companies and institutions—representing a 29% year-over-year increase—having set science-based decarbonization targets or committed to doing so. This trend is further supported by 24 U.S. states and over 190 countries aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a robust long-term commitment to sustainability.

Julie Iskow, CEO of Workiva, emphasized the importance of integrated reporting for resilience and growth. She stated, “Assured financial and sustainability reporting is not simply a compliance play; it's a strategic approach to mitigate risk, fuel performance, and strengthen investor confidence.” This perspective resonates with many executives, highlighting a clear shift in the business landscape where sustainability is no longer viewed as an ancillary concern but as a core component of strategic planning.

Investor responses to the survey reveal a similar trend. Tensie Whelan, a Distinguished Professor of Practice for Business and Society and Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, remarked, “The market has spoken, and forward-thinking companies aren’t waiting—they’re taking action and committing to science-based targets and stronger disclosures.” She emphasized that integrated reporting is not just about managing risk; it is a competitive advantage that attracts capital and drives long-term success.

The survey yielded several significant findings:

Industry leaders echoed the sentiments reflected in the survey, emphasizing the business case for sustainability. Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, noted the direct link between sustainable operations and financial performance, stating, “By making our operations more sustainable, we’re able to increase efficiencies that impact our bottom line.”

Ida Bohman Steenberg, Chief Sustainability Officer of Tietoevry, highlighted the transformative potential of new regulatory frameworks, saying, “The CSRD is a game changer that empowers us to manage and report on our sustainability ambitions and results on a new level.” She emphasized that aligning CFO and CSO teams around material topics leads to improved decision-making and stronger business performance.

CEMEX Chief Financial Officer Maher Al-Haffar added, “Sustainability is something that we cannot ignore. It contributes to the profitability of the business.” He expressed a desire to provide investors with quantifiable data, illustrating the increasing recognition of sustainability as a critical factor in financial modeling.

The findings from Workiva's 2025 Executive Benchmark Survey and the insights shared by industry leaders indicate a growing commitment to integrated reporting among executives, despite market complexities and policy uncertainties. As organizations continue to embrace this strategic approach, the evidence suggests that integrating financial and sustainability data not only enhances risk management but also serves as a catalyst for long-term success.

For further insights into the survey, Workiva invites interested parties to read the full report and join a webinar on March 26, 2025, co-hosted with Deloitte.

Workiva Inc. is dedicated to powering transparent reporting for a better world. The company offers the world's leading cloud platform for assured integrated reporting, which meets the increasing demands for transparency and disclosure of both financial and non-financial data. More details can be found at workiva.com.