The U.S. economy is poised for a strong recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, but faces fresh risks from a hiring shortage and a surge in consumer prices, according to a survey of American CFOs. Although 75% of CFOs surveyed by the Deloitte Global CFO Program said that economic conditions in North America are “good” – an increase from 29% in the first three months of the year – talent concerns and inflation have emerged as new threats to the outlook.
Respondents ranked talent, including recruiting and retention, skills development, capacity and availability, as the most worrisome internal economic risk. The CFOs said that economic stability and inflation were the most concerning external risks, followed by potential changes in government policies and a resurgence of COVID-19.
“Amid the improving economy and many companies’ plans to reopen offices and expand operations, CFOs expressed concerns over changes in employees’ preferences for workplace and work style. They also report concerns over recruiting, retaining, and developing talent, as well as capacity and labor shortages,” the report, released Monday, said.
