CBIZ Q4 2025 Mid-Market Pulse: Cost Pressures Define 2026 Strategy

Rhea-AI Summary

CBIZ (NYSE:CBZ) released the Q4 2025 Mid‑Market Pulse, a national quarterly survey of more than 1,200 clients and client service professionals on business sentiment heading into 2026. The report finds cost pressures and policy uncertainty are top concerns: 62% cite rising healthcare and employee benefit costs as harmful, 59% report negative effects from tariffs and trade policy, and 36% flag cost of capital and access to financing as a major challenge. Despite headwinds, leaders prioritize disciplined investment in compliance, technology, and workforce development. The survey also notes 44% saw benefits from AI and digital transformation while 7% reported harm. Sector stress is highest in construction, healthcare, and consumer products.

Positive

• Survey sample includes >1,200 clients and professionals
• 44% reported AI and digital transformation benefited business
• Companies maintain investment in compliance, technology, and workforce

Negative

• 62% said rising healthcare and employee benefit costs harm business
• 59% reported negative effects from tariffs and trade policy
• 36% cited cost of capital and access to financing as significant challenge

National quarterly survey reveals that healthcare, tariffs, and financing costs are top challenges shaping business decisions for middle-market leaders

Cleveland, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cost pressures are amongst the top concerns for mid-market leaders according to the latest CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse. CBIZ, Inc., a leading national professional services advisor, released its latest quarterly survey and analysis of business sentiment. The report details how mid-market companies are entering 2026 with a renewed focus on cost discipline and operational resilience.

The CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse draws on insights from more than 1,200 CBIZ clients and client service professionals and found that rising costs and policy uncertainty have the greatest impact on business performance.

Key Findings from the Q4 Mid-Market Pulse:

• 62% of leaders said rising healthcare and employee benefit costs harm their business.
• 59% reported negative effects from tariffs and international trade policy.
• 36% said that cost of capital and access to financing remain significant challenges.

Despite these headwinds, businesses are maintaining their footing through disciplined investment in compliance, technology, and workforce development. These are categories that most leaders say remain “untouchable” even amid tighter budgets.

“Mid-market leaders are being deliberate about every discretionary dollar spent,” said Jerry Grisko, President and CEO of CBIZ. “In times of rising costs and tight credit markets, they focus on managing costs, supporting their people, and select investments aimed at improving customer service and productivity. This kind of disciplined approach is what defines successful middle-market companies and helping our clients identify the most impactful investment opportunities is where CBIZ provides real value.”

Other noteworthy findings from the Q4 2025 Mid-Market Pulse include:

• Digital tailwind: 44% said AI and digital transformation benefited their business, compared with 7% who reported harm.
• Policy impact: Reaction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act remains divided, as companies work to understand how new tax provisions and compliance changes will affect their operations.
• Sector variation: Construction, healthcare, and consumer products companies continue to experience the greatest strain from labor and supply chain costs.

The CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse presents quarterly feedback gathered from clients and client service professionals spanning industries like construction, real estate, financial services, technology, and consumer and industrial products.

The full report is available for download here.

About CBIZ
CBIZ, Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help clients anticipate what's next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 10,000 team members across more than 160 locations in 22 major markets coast to coast. For more information, visit www.cbiz.com.

Amy McGahan
CBIZ, Inc.
amy.mcgahan@cbiz.com

FAQ

What did CBIZ report in the Q4 2025 Mid‑Market Pulse for CBZ?

CBIZ reported that cost pressures and policy uncertainty top concerns, with 62% citing healthcare costs, 59% citing tariffs, and 36% citing financing challenges.

How many respondents contributed to the CBIZ Q4 2025 Mid‑Market Pulse survey?

The survey draws on insights from more than 1,200 CBIZ clients and client service professionals.

What percent of mid‑market leaders said AI and digital helped their business in Q4 2025?

44% of respondents said AI and digital transformation benefited their business, while 7% reported harm.

Which sectors did CBIZ identify as most strained in the Q4 2025 Pulse?

CBIZ identified construction, healthcare, and consumer products as experiencing the greatest strain from labor and supply chain costs.

What cost issues will shape mid‑market strategies into 2026 for CBZ shareholders?

Rising healthcare/benefit costs (62%), tariffs (59%), and financing/cost of capital (36%) are cited as shaping 2026 strategy.