After a year marked by economic headwinds and shifting policy landscapes, business leaders are showing a modest uptick in confidence. But beneath the surface, caution still dominates executive decision-making—especially when it comes to hiring and long-term investments.
Recent surveys from Vistage, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton all tell a similar story: optimism is rising slightly, yet uncertainty continues to define the outlook.
A Cautious Rise in Confidence
The Vistage CEO Confidence Index, which tracks sentiment among small and midsized business (SMB) leaders, climbed to 81.9 in the third quarter—up from 77.2 the previous quarter. Similarly, Deloitte’s CFO Signals Report showed confidence inching up from 5.4 to 5.7, and Grant Thornton reported a notable increase in CFO optimism to 51%, up from 39%.
These figures suggest that executives are beginning to see opportunity ahead, even as they contend with continued challenges related to tariffs, immigration policy, and evolving tax laws.
Growth Potential—But Not Without Guardrails
While many leaders recognize areas for growth, the appetite for risk remains low. According to Deloitte, two in three CFOs believe now is notthe time to take on greater risk. Meanwhile, Vistage found that many SMB CEOs are keeping a close eye on consumer caution and shifting demand patterns.
This mindset is shaping hiring strategies across industries. The share of SMB leaders planning to increase headcount rose six percentage points from the prior quarter to 48%—a sign of steady but measured optimism. Yet 13% reported plans to cut staff, marking the third consecutive quarter in which planned reductions hit double digits.
Why Strategic Staffing Matters Now More Than Ever
Periods of uncertainty are when flexible workforce strategies provide the greatest advantage. Partnering with a trusted staffing firm allows companies to adapt quickly to changing conditions without committing to long-term costs or headcount increases before they’re ready.
By leveraging temporary and temp-to-hire talent, businesses can:
- Scale strategically — Add skilled professionals as demand grows, and adjust quickly if market conditions shift.
- Reduce hiring risk — Evaluate talent in real-world settings before making permanent offers.
- Contain costs — Manage labor expenses without compromising productivity or service quality.
- Stay focused on core priorities — Let recruiting experts handle the time-intensive work of sourcing, screening, and onboarding.
Franklin Professional Associates, based in Leominster, MA, helps employers maintain agility and confidence, even when the market doesn’t offer either. With precision hiring strategies and deep local expertise, we ensure every placement strengthens your business for what’s next—whether that’s steady growth or a strategic pause.
