Financial Services Review | Monday, February 13, 2023
90 per cent of executives are concerned about macroeconomic conditions, including the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle, higher cost of capital, and wages not keeping up with inflation.
FREMONT, CA: According to a recent PwC research, Leaders are all too accustomed to navigating stormy times; 90 per cent of executives are worried about macroeconomic conditions, such as the Federal Reserve's tightening cycle, increasing capital costs, and wages that aren't keeping up with inflation. However, 82 per cent still have confidence in their ability to carry out projects related to digital transformation, and 77 per cent have faith in their capacity to meet short-term growth targets.
Although inflation is a serious concern, significant budget cuts may create the exact unstable environment businesses try to avoid. According to the study, executives are more concerned with making plans for the probable timing and severity of a recession than they are acting quickly.
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Executives are considering ways to reduce costs without lowering the number of employees, such as through automation and managed services. CIOs continue to have investment plans for digital transformation.
Implementing Strategies for Recession-proofing
The number of full-time employees will be reduced as a result of management's concerns about salary growth not keeping up with rising costs and inflation. In fact, 81 per cent of CHROs intend to use at least one strategy to cut back on their personnel, such as layoffs, voluntary retirement, or hiring freezes.
Executives continue to discuss the situation of hybrid work. A slower-than-expected return to work worries two-thirds of respondents. Many employers try to offer on-site coaching, mentoring, and training options to draw workers. By fostering an environment that encourages involvement inside the workplace, executives are forced to reconsider the function of the office.
Although economic worries are present, there is still some hope. Growth is the main priority for executives who want to enter and leave a potential recession in better shape. Although they are aware of their cost structure, it is not a reactionary response to the current economic climate but rather a larger discussion about how they will adapt their businesses for the future. The result will depend on how soon and effectively they can carry out their plan.
Planning strategically, investing in expansion, and remaining flexible will help businesses navigate escalating issues. More than 650 company professionals, including 91 CFOs and 94 CHROs, were questioned for the PwC report.
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