Iowa Employers Shift Focus Toward New Technology
A survey of more than 130 Iowa companies reveals changing priorities for hiring and compensation in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Remote Work
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Iowa business leaders are increasingly prioritizing the implementation of new technology as they plan for the 2027 calendar year. The latest data indicates a broader move toward operational efficiency amid shifting hiring and salary trends.
Why it matters
The findings highlight how local organizations are balancing employee retention efforts with the need to integrate modern tools to boost productivity. These strategic choices will shape the employment landscape and compensation expectations for workers across the state.
Thirty-four percent of surveyed employers list employee retention as their top priority, a slight decline from 37% the previous year. Meanwhile, 95% of businesses plan to offer salary increases in 2027, compared to 97% that planned raises in 2026.
The players
Palmer Group
A staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in West Des Moines that provides annual insights into Iowa employment trends.
The details
More than 130 employers participated in the survey to outline their operational goals and staffing projections. While 44% of companies plan to grow their staff levels in the coming year, 5% anticipate a decrease in their workforce.
Timeline
Palmer Group began conducting this annual survey in 2013.
Survey responses were collected throughout 2026.
The full survey results are scheduled for release on November 2, 2026.
The identified employment and technology plans will be implemented in 2027.
Market Landscape
This pivot toward technological integration reflects a broader shift in how regional firms manage competitive pressures. The trend follows a pattern set by the Palmer Group Salary Guide survey annual trends, illustrating how local businesses adapt their strategies to maintain efficiency.
Workers across Iowa should anticipate a competitive hiring environment where technical proficiency may become a more critical factor for job security. Additionally, while the vast majority of employers plan for salary increases, the focus on technology suggests that training opportunities may fluctuate in the near term.
The takeaway
Iowa businesses are increasingly turning to technology to drive operations, signaling a departure from traditional human-capital-only strategies. Employees should monitor how their specific industries adopt these new systems to stay aligned with shifting workplace demands.
What happens next
Palmer Group is scheduled to release the full survey results on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on employment trends, visit the Remote Work section.
More information
Review the full findings and analysis in the Palmer Group Salary Guide survey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Record.
Live Poll
Do you worry that increased business investment in technology will lead to fewer job opportunities?
