With rates higher than they have been in decades, 92 percent of U.S. companies report inflation is affecting their business in some capacity with 87 percent adding that this hardship will impact their operations for years to come.

This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

In response to the high inflation rate, 40 percent of companies have raised prices, 39 percent have absorbed some of the additional costs, 27 percent have adopted new technology to automate processes, 24 percent have reduced transportation and 18 percent have outsourced a portion of their work.

Looking to the future, the 87 percent of U.S. businesses that predict inflation fallout is here to stay say this will be in the form of increased prices of goods and services (43 percent), increased wages (38 percent), increased taxes (35 percent), increased interest rates (31 percent) and decreased sales or revenue (24 percent).

And with perhaps more dire concerns, 47 percent of U.S. hiring decision-makers agree or strongly agree with the sentiment that their company won’t be able to survive much longer if wages/costs continue to increase so quickly.

In Michigan, Express franchise owner David Robb says they are hearing about significant price increases in the transportation and logistics industries, as well as rising prices for raw materials and worker wages.

“For most businesses, this is translating into higher prices, which isn’t causing much pushback from customers,” he said. “Companies actually seem less worried than you would expect because they have such pent-up demand for products. They are not worried about losing customers due to price increases. The bigger challenge is finding the workers to fill orders and meet demand.”

Those workers are in short supply and companies are starting to be more cautious when hiring because “wages are out of control,” according to Florida Express franchise owner Mike Brady.

“With more jobs than people, we have not seen a huge difference, but the possibility of a recession still has companies spooked,” he said. “Inflation has squeezed the labor market even more. Workers are not willing to travel as far and are asking for much higher pay. For clients who are unwilling to offer more money, turnover, and inability to hire is hurting production.”

Job seekers also continue to ask for and expect higher wages in Robb’s region sometimes because they see higher pay advertised locally. However, one major commodity is a large component behind the price increases and demand for higher pay-record fuel costs.

“People are taking the distance of their commute more seriously due to gas prices,” he said. “They may be willing to take a lower-paying job that is closer to home, but if they have to travel, they need a higher pay rate. We also hear about increases in things like rent and basic items such as groceries. Overall, studies show that even with the increase in wages, working families may be worse off today than before due to inflation in everyday living expenses.”

Moving into late 2022, Robb believes inflation will begin to slow as excess product demand begins to taper off.

“There will still be a labor shortage, but things will balance out a little bit,” he said. “However, while inflation might wane a bit, this doesn’t necessarily mean prices will decrease as many of these price hikes will stick around, especially higher wages.”

The next several months are critical for business owners waiting for market conditions to somewhat stabilize, said Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller.

“From labor and supply shortages to high gas prices and soaring inflation, American business owners are understandably frustrated right now,” he said. “Without some relief, I fear the impact of current conditions could affect the economy for years to come.”

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 3 and May 23, 2022 and among 1,003 U.S. hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in the U.S. who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data were weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

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If you would like to arrange for an interview with Maria O’Connell, call 484-329-7930.

Express Employment Professionals, the sponsor of VISTA Today’s Hiring Chesco, is in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Its international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 526,000 people globally in 2020. Learn more.

The Chester County – Main Line, PA Express office is located at 215 Lancaster Avenue and serves the Greater Philadelphia area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit the website, or call 484-329-7930.