Businesses are strategically positioning themselves for the challenges and opportunities the second quarter of 2024 may bring. We recently surveyed clients and prospects across a diverse range of industries around our Midwest footprint in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Our survey offers valuable insights into hiring expectations, business sentiment, pay and benefits changes, top concerns, and areas of optimism.
Below are the survey questions and responses:
What are your forecasted hiring expectations for the 2nd quarter?
Decrease staff: 4%
Maintain staff: 64%
Increase staff: 32%
What is the overall sentiment for your business expectations in the 2nd quarter?
Weak sales: 14%
Flat sales: 48%
Strong sales: 38%
Looking at budgeting in the 2nd quarter, what pay/benefits changes are you anticipating?
Potential cuts: 2%
Increase: 33%
Maintain: 65%
What is the leading concern you have going into the 2nd quarter?
Economy: 20%
Finding qualified applicants: 13%
Sales: 9%
What are you optimistic about going into the 2nd quarter?
Sales: 32%
Workforce stability: 16%
Business opportunities: 12%
As we navigate a new quarter, these survey results stress the importance of remaining flexible and adaptable. Overall, businesses are optimistic about new opportunities while addressing ongoing challenges in the business landscape.
