36th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Labor Costs and Availability Go Hand in Hand
The pandemic shook up what workers want and expect from a job.
Q1 2022
The most interesting result on the combined ratings of factors, would be the top two of labor costs and availability of skilled labor. To me, those go “hand in hand.” A recent jobs report shows an increase in the numbers of workers returning to work, but payroll sums are still more than five million shy of pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic shook up what workers want and expect from a job.
Lastly, the most overlooked site selection factor would be quality of life (tied for 11th). This will continue to rise, as it not just about what to do in the region, but other factors to look at are healthcare availability and affordability, educational institutions, infrastructure, crime and corrections, and the natural environment. Quality of life may have a minimal impact early in the site selection process, but a major impact in the final short-list stage.
Project Announcements
Fukoku Korea Plans Henry County, Virginia, Manufacturing Operations
03/13/2026
Germany-Based Sennheiser Group Plans Nashville, Tennessee, Operations
03/12/2026
Interstate Group Expands Giles County, Virginia, Production Operations
03/11/2026
Shinhwa Auto USA Expands Auburn, Alabama, Operations
03/11/2026
General Atomics Expands Shannon, Mississippi, Production Operations
03/11/2026
Starbucks Plans Davidson County, Tennessee, Corporate Operations
03/08/2026
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