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Opinion: Follow the stories in the stats

Eyes & Ears

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Not a day goes by – or is it an hour? – that the Springfield Business Journal newsroom doesn’t receive the results of a study or report involving a particular business or industry. I’ve amassed quite a large stockpile of these emails, and I’ve picked out the three most relevant and timely to unpack for this column.

Studies and statistics are revealing, and they tell stories – and what I particularly like is how the results can mean different things to different people based on their needs and context. So, without further ado, here’s the Olson study stack reveal. (Sorry, no colored balloons or confetti, though feel free in your own space as you read. But do send me pics.)

Study No. 1: Google’s Economic Impact on state
Let’s start with the ubiquitous Google searches. How many Missouri businesses were searched for directions, phone calls, bookings, reviews and other direct connections last year? If you said 360,000, you’re a genius (or you’ve read the report).

In terms of dollars, Google estimates its services helped provide an economic impact of $5.9 billion in 2021, factoring in the “tens of thousands of Missouri businesses, publishers, nonprofits, creators and developers who used Google products to increase their online presence and connect with the people and communities they serve,” according to the report, which did not detail in the summary how the number was calculated. It did note $185 million went to support small-business resilience with low-interest loans through the Grow with Google Small Business Fund and Opportunity Finance Network grants.

Also, remember when Google made Kansas City its first fiber internet market in 2012? The company has since added eight Missouri municipalities to the Google Fiber network.

Way to go, Google.

Study No. 2: Great Resignation Trends
We know workers are leaving their jobs and changing careers. Here are some numbers behind it, from the FlexJobs’ 2022 Work Insights Survey: 30% of respondents say they’re currently considering quitting and 25% have actually walked off the job in the past six months – the majority without another job lined up.

But why? The No. 1 reason is a toxic company culture – noted by 62% of the 2,200 surveyed by FlexJobs. The next three were low salary, 59%, poor management, 56%, and an unhealthy work-life balance, 49%.

A separate Pew Research Center study released in March shows some overlap in reasons for quitting in 2021. The top three are low pay, no advancement opportunities and disrespect at work. The Pew sample size was larger, with over 6,600 surveyed.

As a sign of the times, according to FlexJobs, more than half of active job seekers are looking for a new career. All of that means there’s potentially some quality, trainable talent out there.

Study No. 3: Spending Habits after COVID-19
Here’s one on the consumer side. According to a survey by Time2Play, an international organization centered on the digital gaming industry, the average consumer is spending 50% more money online since the start of the pandemic, but almost a third of people report spending less. Some of the top reasons for cutting back: uncertainty for the future, 57%, and a reduction in income, 45%.

How much do you spend online in an average month? According to this survey of 1,500 American adults, it’s $263 during the pandemic on roughly 10 orders a month. But they forecast to dial that back around $200 in the future.

Note to those food delivery services and workers: The average monthly spend on food delivery is up 58%. And while DoorDash was the top service option, the majority are ordering delivery straight from restaurants. Keep the takeout coming.

Springfield Business Journal Editorial Vice President Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.

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