Current optimism about revenue growth is based on product and service innovation, which in turn relies on innovative talent. To accelerate performance, the focus is on hiring. High-growth companies are offering premium compensation but also additional incentives and intangible rewards including flexible work arrangements, and enhanced training and education.

1. Economic optimism
about revenue
growth stems from
innovative talent

2. Business leaders are optimistic…
according to The National Center for the Middle Market survey.
The Q3 2017 Middle Market Indicator survey included:
• C-suite executives
• Financial decision-makers
• Private and public organizations
• Gross revenue $10M–$1B

3. Q3 revenue growth
This beats the six-year
average of 6.6%.
7.0%
For 60% of companies,
all revenue is from the U.S.
But confidence in global and local
economies is still near peak.
60%
Revenue growth is high and rising

4. Innovation sparks revenue growth
Confidence in future revenue is founded on:
• Product and service improvement
• New products and services
• Process development
Most effective innovations
•
31% 20% 23%
Performance impact Performance impact Performance impact
of product/service of new product/service of process development
improvement creation

5. 2/3 of innovative companies attract
and retain innovative talent
When it comes to success, attracting and retaining innovative staff are equal to
understanding customers and anticipating market evolutions.
Factors in driving success
66% 68%
Attracting and retaining Understanding customers
innovative people and anticipating
market evolutions
SEE MORE ABOUT OPTIMISM,
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Economic optimism is powered
by innovation

6. Larger companies = annual revenue $100M to $1B
Staff growth is up
Hiring in general is at a 6.4% growth rate, well above the 3.8% six-year average.
Hiring rate 2016–2017
8.4%
Staff growth in
larger companies

7. Talent management is challenging
Recruiting and retaining talent are as difficult to accomplish as acting on core business issues,
which include maintaining growth, capital and IT.
Challenges in business performance
51% 48%
Talent management Core business
activities actions

8. Effective onboarding
Strong career development
and succession plans
Positive culture
Intangible
rewards
Candidates can be choosy
Premium compensation is important but not enough.
High-growth companies are thinking more comprehensively.

9. Be a place to stay and deliver results
Provide a setup for success through resources
and processes
Offer support for career development
and dreams
Millennials expect work to…
READ ABOUT EXPECTATIONS
Economic optimism is powered
by innovation

10. Companies are adding incentives
Addressing workforce expectations
42% 39%
Flexible work Enhanced training
arrangements and education
38% 35%
Higher salaries Additional incentive
compensation

11. Best practice is nuanced benefits
Nuanced benefits are intended to promote physical, emotional and financial well-being.
Examples are wellness programs, support helplines and virtual Q&A with financial professionals.
Benefits under consideration
7% 7% 12%
Additional benefits Additional benefits Additional benefits
for physical for mental/emotional for financial
well-being well-being well-being

12. Position your company for growth
Hire
innovative
people
Make work
stimulating
and
satisfying
Improve
products,
services and
processes

13. Learn more about revenue growth
from innovation
Economic optimism is
powered by innovation
Read the article and
get the report

14. Like further information?
Contact
Jim Brady
Chief Operating Officer
T +1 312 602 8145
E jim.brady@us.gt.com

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