Sage SMB Hiring Outlook Survey: Nearly a Third of Manufacturers and Distributors Plan to Increase Workforce Size in 2013 as Demand Improves

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - May 29, 2013) - Driven by increased demand for their products and services, almost a third of manufacturing and distribution firms in the small and midsized business (SMB) sector expect to increase the size of their workforce in 2013, and 45 percent plan to keep it the same, according to the results of a survey announced today by Sage North America. Sage, a leading provider of business management software and services to more than 6 million small and midsized businesses worldwide, conducted the survey among 242 executives of SMB manufacturers and distributors.

The Sage SMB Hiring Outlook Survey revealed that among these businesses in the U.S. and Canada who plan to add jobs, 83 percent cited a stronger demand for their company's products and services, while 23 percent said an improved economic outlook is helping drive the decision.

Only 7 percent of companies stated that they have decreased or will decrease the size of their workforce in 2013. The economy was a bigger factor for these firms that planned to decrease their workforce size or keep it the same, with 45 percent saying economic uncertainty influenced their decision and 42 percent citing a steady or weakened demand for products and services.

"The good news is that most of the manufacturers and distributors we surveyed are planning to increase their workforce or at least stay the course in 2013, but of course we'd all like to see a stronger employment outlook," said Joe Langner, executive vice president, Mid-Market Solutions for Sage North America. "Economic uncertainty and the costs of doing business are making it even more important for SMB manufacturers and distributors to streamline their operations and take advantage of technology and tools that help them run smarter, more cost-effective businesses.

"Business leaders could look to mobile technology, for example, which can go far to help improve efficiencies and employee productivity. Mobile business applications enable seamless integration between the production plant and the office, eliminating potential bottlenecks between departments."

The survey revealed that of those SMB manufacturers and distributors who have hired or plan to hire in 2013, 92 percent seek full-time help, which seems to run against common speculation that the Affordable Care Act would dampen job growth, specifically affecting the hours of full-time employees.

Among companies who hired in both 2012 and 2013, 39 percent expect to hire more employees this year than in 2012, and 52 percent expect to hire about the same.

The survey was conducted online among 242 U.S. and Canadian manufacturing and distribution executives between May 2 and May 15, 2013. The results have a margin of error of +/- 5% at a 95% confidence level.

About Sage
Sage Group plc is a leading global provider of business management software to small and medium sized companies, creating greater freedom for them to succeed. Sage understands how and why each business is unique. We provide products and services that suit varying needs, are a pleasure to use and are secure and efficient. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and entered the FTSE 100 in 1999. Sage has over 6 million customers and more than 13,380 employees in 24 countries covering the UK & Ireland, mainland Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, Asia and Brazil. For further information please visit www.sage.com.

For more information about Sage in North America, please visit the company website at NA.Sage.com. Follow Sage North America on Facebook, Facebook.com/SageNorthAmerica, and Twitter, Twitter.com/SageNAmerica.