In its latest semi-annual survey of Wisconsin CEOs, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce says the state’s business leaders are still optimistic about the economy, even though they continue to face challenges in both retaining and attracting workers.
Fifty-nine percent say the Wisconsin economy was strong or very strong, and even more, 65 percent, say the same about the U.S. economy.
They are so optimistic that 45 percent plan to raise wages between 3.0 and 3.5 percent over the next year.
To address the labor shortage, WMC asked what companies are doing to attract and retain talent, and the top five results are as follows:
- Flexible work schedules, 62 percent;
- Flexible dress code, 53 percent;
- Staff events/programming (planned lunches, social events, etc.), 44 percent;
- Physical wellness programs (gym memberships, nutritional coaching, etc.), 41 percent; and
- Flexible time off (increased vacation time, maternity/paternity leave, etc.), 41 percent.
In addition, 56 percent of respondents say they have some type of work-from-home policy.
