Q1 2019 Business Confidence Survey & Opinion Poll – Results are in

EFC conducts a quarterly Business Confidence Survey, inviting all key association contacts to participate. Respondents are asked to compare their current quarter and next quarter sales, against the same periods last year.  Over 70  key member contacts provided their feedback for this quarter.  New this year, EFC has also added an Opinion Poll component.  Each quarter members will be asked relevant questions surrounding industry trends/hot topics.

Business Confidence Results:

• 56% of respondents felt their Q1 2019 business was better/much better compared to Q1 2018, with 21% reporting worse sales, and 23% reporting no change
• Looking ahead, 69% of respondents expect Q2 2019 sales to be better/much better compared to Q1 2018
• Expectations out one year are positive, with 72% expecting sales to be better/much better.  Only 4% expect sales to be worse

Opinion Poll Results:

For this quarter, members were asked if they offer Flex-Time and/or Remote working options to their employees.  Of the poll respondents – 10% offer Flex time only, 18% offer Remote working options, while half the respondents offer both.  Less than one quarter of respondents are currently not offering either of these working options.

For a detailed report of both the Business Confidence Survey and the opinion poll – click here.

Thank you to everyone who responded and we look forward to your continued support and participation.  Based on feedback from the survey, the format for the current Business Confidence Index will remain unchanged.

If you have further questions or comments on the Business Confidence Survey, or have any suggestions for future opinion polls, please contact Anne Harrigan, Vice President, Marketing Resource at 416-716-1897.