Regional Wage & Benefit Survey Opening

Article by Kate Virag | NEIRP | February 2, 2021

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Local Economic Development Organization (LEDO) Council and the Northeast Indiana Chamber Coalition are asking employers to help inform the region’s economic development efforts by participating in a comprehensive survey of benefits. The online survey, which is open until Friday, March 19, will gather accurate and up-to-date information about the local business environment to assist existing employers in their evaluation of current compensation programs against the market. 

“As we work together to increase business investment across the region, understanding the benefits offered by Northeast Indiana employers is a critical step to guide our economic development work and our decision-making progress,” said LEDO Council Chair Anton King, executive director of DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. The survey will be broken into four categories: 

1. Goods producing, construction and logistics 
2. Professional, finance and information services 
3. Healthcare 
4. Leisure, hospitality, retail and restaurants 

The benefits portion looks at costs of health insurance and policies in areas like training, vacation and financial incentives including retirement and bonus plans. A workforce assessment section asks about skills, education, drug testing policies and forecasts for hiring and wage increases. The survey targets employers in all sectors located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. 

“The benefits survey really gives our region, and its employers, a competitive edge. As employers focus on attracting and retaining the best workforce, the survey helps us understand if what employers are offering is competitive. Through analysis of the survey, economic developers can understand how Northeast Indiana stacks up against other markets nationally and even globally,” said Chad Ruston, senior vice president of economic development and chief operating officer at the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Data analysis and reports are prepared by an independent consultant, and participant information is confidential. 

Businesses are encouraged to contact their local chamber or economic development organization with questions or to learn more information. 

“Many employers in Northeast Indiana are needing comparative information to make sound decisions in restructuring their current benefit packages, as well as staying competitive in the market for new hires. Chambers of Commerce across the region appreciate employers providing this confidential information as it is a resource our members can use,” said Erin Prible, chair of the Northeast Indiana Chamber Coalition and executive director of the Wells County Chamber of Commerce. 

Human resource professionals are asked to read this instruction sheet and visit the website to complete the survey using the survey code UHyEii5. 

To learn more, visit the website at www.neindiana.com/news

Article source: https://mailchi.mp/neindiana/2021-wages-benefits-survey-5003794?e=b3d69f386c

Collin Bice