Oregon Executives Provide Expected Business Trends for 2017

Executives in Oregon and Southwest Washington recently provided their business projections for the New Year in the National Business Trends Survey. The 2017 National Business Trends Survey is conducted by Cascade Employers Association on behalf of employer associations throughout the nation. Published in December of 2016, the survey provides executive-level insight into current and projected national, regional, and local business trends. The results show a mixture of confidence and anticipated business challenges, with the majority of executives optimistic for 2017.

Based on the survey results, here are five prominent trends to watch for in the next 12 months:

1. Increased Sales
   73% of Oregon executives are projecting their 2017 sales to surpass sales results of 2016.
2. Stability and Confidence In The U.S. Economy
   Nearly 80% of Oregon executives are anticipating the U.S. economy to remain fixed or to improve over the next twelve months.
3. Sustaining and Increasing Staffing Levels
   Hiring plans in 2017 show a mixture of consistency and growth, with half of executives planning to maintain their staffing levels and 41% planning to hire more staff in the next twelve months. This includes recalling layoffs, hiring temps or contract workers, and/or hiring new employees.
4. Anticipated Challenges
   When executives were asked to list their top business challenges in 2017, over half of executives listed government regulations and a skilled labor shortage as impediments to achieving business growth.
5. Priorities That Span Generations
   When asked what new hires are looking for based on their various generation groups, certain priorities prevailed throughout generations. All generation groups were listed as prioritizing good pay, good work/life balance, and recognition and reward for good performance when seeking a new job. Other priorities were prevalent among multiple generations, but not all. Leading priorities for Traditionalists, Boomers, and Gen X groups included good benefits and being a part of a good team. Flexibility in work hours was a leading priority for Millennials and Digitals. While some priorities span generations, such as good pay and work/life balance, other priorities seem to be generation-specific.

To learn more about the 2017 National Business Trends Survey, or to purchase the full report, click here.