Effective internal communication plays a key role in shaping organisational culture, increasing employee satisfaction and improving performance, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of two-way communication and leadership styles on the employees of Slovakian SMEs, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by the pandemic COVID-19. A mixed methodology was used in the research, which included questionnaire data collection and statistical analysis of the results to explore the frequency and effectiveness of communication and the impact of leadership styles on conflict management. The results highlight that assertive communication and two-way information flow help to increase trust and commitment while having a positive impact on employee motivation and job satisfaction. However, hierarchical communication gaps and inappropriate leadership styles often lead to dissatisfaction and inefficiency. The research has also shown that sustainable development goals, such as incorporating the principles of a circular economy, can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of internal communication and strengthening organisational stability. The new communication challenges brought about by the pandemic, including the consequences of remote working such as feelings of isolation and difficulties in information flow, further reinforce the importance of effective management practices and communication strategies. The paper offers practical suggestions for optimising internal communication systems that can help to increase organisational resilience, improve employee well-being and implement effective leadership practices. The results can contribute to the development of communication strategies and the achievement of organisational success in SMEs.

Objectives: This study explores the transformation of energy consumption in Europe between 2002 and 2022, focusing on the declining role of fossil fuels and the increasing significance of renewable and nuclear energy sources. The study also considers how countries with varying levels of economic development adopt different energy strategies and how these strategies correlate with shifts in energy usage. A circular economy approach that includes energy recovery from waste and resource reuse is a complementary aspect of sustainable energy transitions. Methods/Analysis: The per capita energy consumption data were analyzed through decile classification and cluster analysis to group countries with similar energy profiles. To explore the relationship between GDP and energy use—both total and renewable—linear and exponential regression models were applied. Outlier countries with atypical consumption trends were excluded to improve model reliability. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, and Excel was used to support the visualization process. Findings: Six distinct clusters of energy consumption patterns emerged. In lower-and middle-GDP countries, renewable energy use showed a stronger exponential correlation with GDP growth than total energy use. While fossil fuel dependence has declined across most countries, the pathways taken have been diverse. High-GDP nations such as Iceland and Norway have demonstrated unique, resource-driven strategies. Novelty/Improvement: This study introduces a novel methodological blend of decilebased classification and clustering to enable clearer cross-country comparisons of energy use. The results also highlight the importance of excluding statistical outliers to improve regression precision. By integrating insights relevant to circular economy principles, the findings contribute to designing more effective and regionally adapted energy transition strategies.