Page 72 - CMA Journal (Mar-Apr 2026)

Survey Report

49% say Automation Strengthens Business Resilience Most

W h e n a s k e d w h i c h t e c h n o l o g y Which technology investment best
investment would strengthen business strengthens business resilience?
resilience most, 49% of respondents
pointed to automation. Supply chain
systems followed at 34%, while remote
platforms (12%) and cybersecurity tools
(6%) trailed behind.

47% identify Salary Pressure as the Top Workforce Challenge

When asked which workforce challenge could Which workforce challenge most affects
most impact organizational performance, organiza onal performance?
nearly half of respondents (47%) pointed to
salary pressure. This re ects concerns that
in ation and rising living costs may increase
employee expec tations and strain
organizational budgets. Staff instability
followed at 32%, while reduced training (12%)
and hiring freezes (9%) were seen as far less
pressing. Taken together, the ndings
highlight retention and compensation as the
most critical workforce risks facing
organizations.

65% cite Fuel and Energy Support as Greatest Relief for Businesses

Asked which government action would Which government ac on will most ease
deliver the greatest relief to businesses business condi ons in the next 12 months?
over the next 12 months, 65% of
respondents cited fuel and energy support.
Policy stability followed closely at 59%,
signaling demand for both immediate cost
relief and a clearer operating environment.
Renewable energy support and SME
incentives drew lower but still measurable
attention.

ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Mar-Apr 2026 70