Level Up Your 2026 Strategy: The Essential Survey Data Checklist for Year-End Planning

The calendar is turning, and with the end of the year in sight, organizational strategy shifts into high gear. Building a robust 2026 plan requires more than just rolling forward this year’s budget; it demands forward-looking, data-driven intelligence.

To help you build a resilient and informed blueprint for the year ahead, we’ve highlighted three crucial surveys for strategic planning. Think of this as your 2026 planning toolkit, with data that is local, current, and actionable.

1. Act Now: 2025 Winter Workplace Trends Survey

The Winter Workplace Trends Survey collects data on local trends and issues impacting Northwest employers. This survey focuses on current topics such as economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, immigration enforcement, artificial intelligence, and more.

With only 13 questions, this is a quick and easy survey to complete. The deadline is November 26^th, so participate now! The report will be available for free to all participants in December, with important information on how organizations are responding and adapting to recent business challenges.

2. Finalize Budgets: 2025-26 Salary Budget Survey

Compensation is one of organizations’ largest budget lines and a primary driver of retention. Don’t wait to finalize your 2026 compensation budget.

The 2025-26 Salary Budget Survey report is available, providing essential compensation data you need to ensure your pay is competitive in our changing market. This report includes actual pay increases for 2025 and projected increases for 2026 for Oregon and SW Washington. Data is broken out by employee categories, and further by industry, region, and employee size.

Access your report now to build accurate budget models and make sure your proposed salary structure is competitive for attracting and retaining talent.

3. Plan Ahead: 2026 National Business Trends Survey

While finalizing budgets and gathering workplace trends data, don’t forget to integrate the big picture outlook into your plans.

The 2026 National Business Trends Survey is publishing next week. This high-level survey collected data from 916 organizations across the country on business outlooks and current trends. The report looks at economic forecasts, hiring and retention plans, strategic initiatives, and much more. View the larger picture with the national or regional reports, or get targeted with state or industry-specific reports to see what organizations most similar to you are planning for 2026.

Keep an eye out for this report’s release next week; it is the final piece of the puzzle for a complete, data-backed 2026 strategy.

As members or friends of Cascade, you have access to several great regional data sources to help with your planning. Successful 2026 planning isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about making data-informed decisions today.