Will customers switch companies because of poor communications?

Poor communications can directly contribute to customer attrition. Smart Communications’ 2026 Customer Experience Benchmark found that 63% of consumers are likely to switch away from a company if its communications fail to meet their expectations. That figure rises to 70% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials, as well as 73% of consumers in Australia and 72% in the United States. Although switching intent varies by market and age, the results demonstrate that communication quality can directly affect customer retention, particularly among younger consumers.