CAI Releases Employer Associations of America 2011 Economic Trends Survey Results

RALEIGH, NC, January 27, 2011

Bruce Clarke, president and CEO of CAI, Inc. (http://www.capital.org), a human resource management firm that helps organizations maximize employee engagement while minimizing employer liability, has announced the release of the results of The 2011 Economic Trends Survey conducted by the Employer Associations of America. This comprehensive survey of nearly 2,800 organizations reflects a consistent, cautiously optimistic view of 2011 by employers across the nation. While the survey had responses from all 50 states, the results did not vary significantly by region or state. Approximately 205 North Carolina employers participated in the survey.

While close to 60 percent of the respondents believe the overall economy will be about the same in 2011 as it was in mid-2010, 65 percent of those responding expect the outlook for their own business to be more promising in 2011 with increases in sales/revenue. About 40 percent of the respondents plan to hire additional staff, with most of those expected during the first half of 2011.

Some key findings from the survey include:
- 59 percent of companies will increase pay in 2011
- 60 percent of companies utilize some form of performance-based variable/bonus pay programs for employees
- 69 percent of companies match contributions on 401k plans

This data is consistent with results from the Annual CAI Wage and Salary Survey reported in August 2010. At that time, 76 to 78 percent of local N.C. companies surveyed projected salary increases for 2011 ranging from 3 to 3.2 percent (excluding zero percent). Only 22 to 24 percent of facilities projected a zero percent salary increase for employees, down from nearly 50 percent of companies in 2009. When combining those companies giving increases with those not, the overall salary increases (including zero percent) range from 2.3 - 2.5 percent.

QUOTES:
"We are pleased to make the results of The 2011 Economic Trends Survey available," said Clarke. "These results are a helpful barometer for what we can expect from companies in 2011 as they navigate through this challenging economy with what appears to be cautious optimism."

DETAILS:
- CAI is a member of the Employer Associations of America, which consists of 35 local employer associations that serve 48,000 companies and more than 5,600,000 employees. The EAA's mission is to advance a national presence as well the local success of its members through collaboration, efficiency, and shared knowledge and resources.

- The EAA's data reflects national conditions including responses from 2,768 companies representing nearly 6,000 facilities across the United States. The respondents represent a variety of industries, including, manufacturing, finance, professional and business service and healthcare. The survey data was collected in mid-November through mid-December of 2010.

- For more information on EAA or CAI survey data, contact CAI at (919) 878-9222 or visit http://www.capital.org.

ABOUT CAI:
CAI, Inc. is a human resource management firm with locations in Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, that helps organizations maximize employee engagement while minimizing employer liability. A membership organization that focuses on long-term relationships with North Carolina employers, CAI offers clients expertise in a wide range of management and human resource skills. The company has experience dealing with HR and management advice, training, news, survey data and distribution, public policy advocacy and a range of consulting services. CAI, Inc. continually develops new benefits programs for members, as well as learning and consulting services with an emphasis on human resource consultation. For more information, please call (919) 878-9222 or visit http://www.capital.org.

Kate Catlin
MMI Public Relations
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kate@mmipublicrelations.com
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