Agility & Excellence Resource Center

Agility & Excellence Resource Center


Is a recession coming? This is a topic of much debate. One thing that is certain about 2023 is economic uncertainty. The current climate calls for leaders to operate with agility and excellence — moving with purpose, applying new ideas and making bold decisions to master the moment.

Strategies to Master an Uncertain Economy

Recession or not, there are tools at hand to sharpen strategy and decision-making given high inflation, steady spending, rising interest rates and low unemployment. Managing liquidity and cost savings, optimizing your talent, addressing enterprise risk concerns, considering financial restructuring options and making bold growth moves can help your company survive and thrive.

That’s a lot to address. So, we’ve gathered our latest resources to help your business prepare for a recession and emerge from economic uncertainty ready to tackle the future.

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Featured Webinars to help Your Business Respond as a Recession Looms

Webinar

In today’s economic climate, mastering the moment with agility and excellence is crucial. An effective way to thrive in business — during a recession or not — is by capitalizing on relevant tax incentives that can significantly impact your organization's financial success.

Join our experts as they highlight popular and timely key tax incentives—from ERTC to 179D and LIFO—to help you navigate through economic complexities and achieve optimal savings aligned with your business growth strategies.

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In this webinar, Anna Rathbun, Chief Investment Officer — Retirement & Investment Solutions, and Thomas Bonney, National Leader Financial Services — Advisory, discuss the current state of the economy and where the economy is headed.
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In this webinar, you’ll hear from our experts on how to be agile under pressure to keep your employees happy and healthy while preserving your bottom line.
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In this webinar, we will discuss exclusive findings from our 2023 State of Health Care Survey and offer insight into how employers can cut costs, attract and retain top talent, enhance employee engagement and more.
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Can you still claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit, and ensure defensibility?

While pandemic-era support may be expiring, opportunities to claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit in the form of a refund still exist. These tax credits can present a lucrative opportunity to recoup the costs of having retained employees through full and partial shutdowns, and changes to eligibility requirements now include those who were the recipients of PPP loans. However, as per a recent warning from the IRS, it’s essential to maintain a defensible stance and have qualifications assessed and documented by a qualified expert.

Please join us for this webcast in which we will review the latest information available on the Employee Retention Tax Credit. Our webinar will focus on the specificities of the ERTC, from understanding the changes to qualifications, to opportunities that still exist for claiming the credit.

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The recent failures of Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have investors concerned about financial stability. In this webinar, we'll explore the reasons behind these failures, the role of rate hikes in these events, and implications for investing and the American economy. 
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In this webinar, we'll discuss why a strong employee experience matters now more than ever, when the employee experience truly begins, and tactics to enhance your employees’ experience.
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In this webinar, you’ll hear from our Employee Benefits, Retirement & Investment and Talent & Compensation experts on trending topics that may affect your business in 2023 and tactics to master a slow growth economy.
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Join us to learn more about how a strong financial wellness program can generate significant savings for your organization and your employees.
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While talks of an impending recession flooded the headlines in 2022, the new year began with a pivot in sentiment. What has changed? This webinar explores the conflicting factors that are currently driving different beliefs about a potential recession and an outlook for the global economy in 2023.
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We'll discuss significant trends and legislation, most notably the recently passed SECURE Act 2.0, to help retirement plan sponsors ensure compliance with the law and optimize their plan for their business and participants.
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In this webinar, you’ll hear from our employee benefits and life insurance solutions experts on creative ways employers can put more money back in their pockets while attracting and retaining high-level talent.
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In this webinar, we will explore the characteristics of past recessions and bear markets, the difference in the current environment and where we are finding opportunities.
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During this webinar, you’ll hear from our CBIZ experts on the power of employee-paid benefits amid the impending recession. 

New Ideas for Mastering a Slow Growth Economy

A two-and-a-half-minute primer introducing the challenges of a slow growth economy.

Resources to Help You Manage Increased Costs & Margins

Increase liquidity and unearth cost savings to relieve the compounded strains of inflation, pressurized global supply chains and talent costs in an unyielding labor market. You’ll discover actionable, expert-driven cost-savings and liquidity strategies designed to mitigate increased costs.

On Sept. 8, 2023, the IRS issued advance guidance, Notice 2023-63, concerning the scope of research and experimentation (R&E) expenditures subject to the new Section 174 cost capitalization rules.

The IRS recently announced an immediate moratorium on processingnew Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims. This decision comes in thewake of rising concerns over fraudulent applications and will be effectiveuntil at least the end of the year.

The deadline for filing claims for all quarters in 2020 is next April. The deadline for filing claims for all quarters in 2021 is April 2025.

The modern office is changing, with businesses choosingbetween full-time in-person work or embracing a remote or hybrid model.Planning your organization's next space requires big decisions, like whether tobuild something new or renovate a property you own.

This article will look at the economic factors driving thedeclining donation trend and delve into two other hurdles — talent scarcity andsupply chain disruptions — that the not-for-profit sector continues to grapplewith.

Let’s examine the details of the 45L credit expansion.

Innovation has long been the driving force behind progress, but sometimes progress becomes bogged down in a tangle of red tape.

The evolving landscape of businesses taxes can be confusing. Here are the most significant tax provisions from the TCJA that are expiring with the TCJA.

In the pulse of the modern era, the banking landscape is surging forward in a transformative evolution shaped by pioneering technologies, innovative business models and a tumultuous economic climate.

Maneuvering through the current economic landscape is like a game of chess, with businesses strategizing their every move. In these uncertain times, cash flow is more critical than ever.

Recent updates to the Section 179D Tax Credit essentially doubled the deduction amount. See how your business can leverage179D and other green tax deductions.

The challenges of rising interest rates, a sluggish economy and the possibility of a recession are all factors that have the potential to weigh heavily on the financial health of companies.

Learn what a 13- week cash flow is, and how to utilize a twcf to not only forecast potential financial distress, but to navigate economic uncertainty.

The past year has been challenging for many organizations, as the economic downturn brought high inflation, rising interest rates and market volatility. However, the implementation of ASC 842 may provide a silver lining amidst the uncertainty. By enabling companies to optimize their lease portfolio, ASC 842 can help executives make more informed resource allocation decisions and see significant cost savings.

Learn about the work opportunity tax credit and how to useit to your company's advantage. Get answers to common questions, determine whoqualifies, and estimate how much tax credit your business could receive with ourWOTC Calculator.

Resources to Help Recession-Proof Your Current & Future Workforce

With workforce and talent concerns running high, we offer fresh insights to attract, recruit, retain and engage employees — all while protecting your bottom line and managing emerging risks. Additionally, we tackle the tough topic of reductions in workforce and strategies to mitigate the negative impacts, such as career transition services, among other human capital solutions.

Inflation continues to cause financial strain for many employees. As open enrollment approaches, members of your workforce may be considering which benefits matter most to them and how to optimize the money they spend on those offerings. As a result, this year’s open enrollment may be more challenging than usual for both employers and benefits providers.

The saying “people quit managers, not companies” is becoming increasingly relevant. Therefore, while experience and technical skills are essential, it’s imperative for leaders to also possess emotional intelligence to drive performance and retain talent.

As the workplace continues to evolve, HR plays a crucial role in adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Several emerging trends are reshaping the HR landscape in 2023, enabling organizations to cultivate a more engaged, diverse and productive workforce. This article explores the key topics revolutionizing HR practices and strategies leading into the second half of the year.

In today's competitive business landscape, talent has become a crucial differentiator for organizations seeking long-term success. This article delves into the basics of talent management, highlighting its importance and key elements.
What is the employee experience, why does it matter — especially amid economic volatility — and how can employers enhance it? In this article, we’re getting back to basics by exploring this crucial element of a thriving workplace culture.
The employee experience begins before an individual’s first day on the job and continues throughout their time at your company. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your employee experience strategy is cyclical in nature and aligned with each stage of the employee lifecycle.

Work from home has altered the business landscape. From unused offices to productivity paranoia, learn how your business can navigate new corporate challenges.

Employees are growing more and more interested in workplace wellbeing programs, and employers that choose to ignore this interest will be surpassed by those that embrace this opportunity to create a positive culture of health.
Well-executed performance management is helping many businesses retain top talent and maximize their resources, allowing companies to stay competitive in today’s uncertain economic landscape. 
On March 22, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the ninth time in a row, marking the most rapid rate increase since the early 1980s. Intended to combat rising inflation, the .25-point rate hike has once again set off recession alarms, and employers and employees alike are unsure of what the future holds.

Adding to an already complex work landscape, the looming economic downturn comes amid an unprecedented labor shortage and a global pandemic. This combination paints a complicated and anxiety-inducing time for HR leaders everywhere. The real challenge for HR leaders, however, is to reimagine talent management while balancing rising employee expectations and business needs during market turmoil — not an easy task. Use this time to reimagine your organization leveraging the following expertise.

For employers looking to stay ahead of the curve this year, incorporating the benefits employees value most into their health plan is essential. However, it’s equally important to keep your bottom line in mind.
While most employers project salary increases this year, many are looking beyond pay alone to help attract and retain talent. The economic downturn has exacerbated the importance of taking a total rewards approach to meeting employees’ expectations, and having a strong, multi-faceted benefits program is an essential perk.
An estimated 2 million jobs could be lost nationwide in 2023, according to Citi Global Wealth Investment’s Wealth Outlook Roadmap. This means that unemployment could rise above 5% this year if projections reach these estimates.
The financial impacts of a recession are widely acknowledged. However, the emotional damage an economic downturn can inflict on employees is just as damaging, if not more so. As we head into a period of great uncertainty, employers should begin to consider how to support employees’ wellbeing to minimize fear and stress in the workplace.

Ways to Solve Enterprise Risk Concerns

Risk management is front of mind as recession worries manifest, especially given that exposures and litigation increase during times of economic challenge. Along with sufficient commercial insurance coverage against potential losses, ironclad enterprise risk management can prepare your organization to manage unique recession-related exposures and fortify your company’s future.

If you have secured your own systems but have not vetted thecybersecurity measures of your third-party vendors, can you truly claim yourdata is safe?

See how the COVID-19 pandemic has presented lessons CFOs can use to help craft their risk management plan to avoid future crises.

The nonprofit industry faces several challenges in 2023 from labor shortages, cybersecurityand recession concerns. Learn tips to protect your nonprofit.

As supply chain disruptions continue to impact the industry, many companies are looking to adopt new strategies to help them reduce costs and streamline their processes. 

Employers are having to deal with a new slate of cybersecurity risks due to remote work and geopolitical instability. Here are the top cybersecurity risks.

It’s essential for organizations to prevent any potential cyber threats by strengthening their cybersecurity during a recession. Here's what you should know.

As fears of a recession increase, your company must rely on the internal audit team. Here's how they can help mitigate risks in an uncertain economy.

Learn the key trends in the  trucking industry for 2023 and how your company can maintain long-term growth and operational success. 

Learn the keytrends in the construction industry for 2023 and how your construction companycan maintain long-term growth and operational success. 

Should esg initiatives be on the chopping block? Learn how scaling back esg programs amid a recession can cost your company their reputation and invite risk.

An EPL claim can be a huge financial and time burden foryour company. Use these steps to prevent the risk of EPL claims and learn youroptions to settle disputes.

Insurance experts often examine how outside influences and trends affect the insurance marketplace. Your business should follow suit to determine the factors that impact insurance coverage. Consider these sweeping market developments in 2023.

Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your relationship with your vendors. From cybersecurity to ESG, here are some ways to evaluate this relationship.

A volatile economy, forces companies to look toward reductions. Use these tips to navigate reductions and learn how to protect your business during layoffs.
Recession-related risks can severely hinder a company’s future.Here are three ways to help manage various risks in uncertain economicconditions.  

Ways to Strategically utilize Financial Restructuring

Strategically pinpoint opportunities for financial restructuring when economic outlooks are lean. Activate debt restructuring and share capital to reduce your debt burden, improve cash flow and enhance financial flexibility.

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape is currently facing an unprecedented era of uncertainty, with historically low transactions, rising interest rates and broader concerns about economic volatility. 

The challenges of rising interest rates, a sluggish economy and the possibility of a recession are all factors that have the potential to weigh heavily on the financial health of companies.

On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) became the second-largest financial institution failure in United States history.

Here we will outline ways to protect your organization from credit risks, ensuring a soft landing if your banking partner experiences a hard fall.

On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, representing the second-largest failure of a financial institution in US history. When SVB announced it would incur a $1.8 billion loss on the sale of $21.0 billion of assets, depositors rushed to withdraw their funds, causing SVB to shut down after concerns about its liquidity and solvency. The regulatory response has so far been quick, and experts believe that these decisive actions from regulators’ efforts will likely prevent further financial contagion. But markets remain on edge.

Bold Growth Moves

Manage recession risks and home in on business opportunities through large-scale growth moves to yield transformative business opportunities in a recession-inflected landscape. Find ways to re-envision your company’s future by resetting its current course.

While Americans celebrated Independence Day, Canada's business community struggled to cope with a dock workers’ strike that left an estimated $12 billion in trade temporarily stranded off the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, two of the country’s busiest maritime gateways.

In this article, we'll shed light on why R&D is a smartinvestment during a recession and how companies can navigate the R&Dlandscape to come out on top.

The IPO market has hit a relative standstill after frothy valuations, easy money and investor enthusiasm drove a record-setting 2021.

Any M&A activity must be accounted for as the new year approaches. We touch on new regulations and highlight key tips to ensure you pass any legal hurdles.

It should come as no surprise in the current economic moment that many businesses are cautious about making big decisions. However, despite the looming possibility of a recession, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity remains strong. 

Human Resource Strategies for a Recession

Effective HR strategies are proven to advance and support collaborative work environments that enable employees to reach their full potential while bolstering business growth and simplifying human resources management. Check out our forward-thinking HR strategies and insights to guide your HR team and entire organization through a climate of economic uncertainty and beyond.

Inflation continues to cause financial strain for many employees. As open enrollment approaches, members of your workforce may be considering which benefits matter most to them and how to optimize the money they spend on those offerings. As a result, this year’s open enrollment may be more challenging than usual for both employers and benefits providers.

As the workplace continues to evolve, HR plays a crucial role in adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Several emerging trends are reshaping the HR landscape in 2023, enabling organizations to cultivate a more engaged, diverse and productive workforce. This article explores the key topics revolutionizing HR practices and strategies leading into the second half of the year.

In today's competitive business landscape, talent has become a crucial differentiator for organizations seeking long-term success. This article delves into the basics of talent management, highlighting its importance and key elements.
In today's competitive employment landscape, many organizations recognize that employees are their most valuable asset. To attract and retain top talent, employers must go beyond competitive salaries and create holistic and meaningful employee benefits packages that address diverse workforce needs.

The success of an organization's operations team relies heavily on the skills and knowledge of its employees. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and as we face more changes in business operations, it's more important than ever for organizations to prioritize upskilling and cross-training employees. By doing so, they can ensure their teams are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to operate efficiently and effectively.

Finance Strategies for a Recession

Recession-proof your finances through executive insights tailored to how finance leadership can wrangle the distinct mix of economic indicators characterizing these times. Find ready-made business investment strategies that master the moment regardless of how recession worries materialize.

There's no point in sugarcoating it. The past year has been rough for the manufacturing industry and most other industries. Let's delve into a few compelling factors that provide manufacturers with a glimmer of hope for the future.

Today’s economy is marked by volatility, and recessionary potential continues to bloom; this mix of indicators necessitates a focus on accounting for asset impairment. 

Employee evaluation becomes all the more challenging on the heels of a recession. Here are some key tactics you can use to evaluate and reward your employees.

As fears of a recession increase, your company must rely on the internal audit team. Here's how they can help mitigate risks in an uncertain economy.

Should esg initiatives be on the chopping block? Learn how scaling back esg programs amid a recession can cost your company their reputation and invite risk.

Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your relationship with your vendors. From cybersecurity to ESG, here are some ways to evaluate this relationship.

In this article, we'll shed light on why R&D is a smartinvestment during a recession and how companies can navigate the R&Dlandscape to come out on top.

CFO’s must remain vigilant when responding to inflation. As a CFO, usethese strategies to help counter rising inflation.

The IPO market has hit a relative standstill after frothy valuations, easy money and investor enthusiasm drove a record-setting 2021.

Leadership Strategies for a Recession

Discover leadership strategies suited for economic uncertainty, including strategic decision-making, workforce management and clear messaging through tough times. Our experts provide insights answering how leaders can prepare for a recession and ensure clear channels of communication that bolster employee investment and stakeholder partnership —and capture customer confidence.

In times of uncertainty, the economy favors those who operate with agility and excellence.

Work from home has altered the business landscape. From unused offices to productivity paranoia, learn how your business can navigate new corporate challenges.

During these times of economic uncertainty, financial wellness benefits are needed more than ever. 

In today's digital world, data is one of your organization’s most valuable assets, and keeping it secure is essential to protecting proprietary information, employees and customer trust.

As recession fears mount, it's more important than ever for retirement plan sponsors to ensure that participants are maximizing their retirement benefits.