Perspectives that inform the middle market

In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we've collected data on middle market firms since 2015 through quarterly surveys conducted by The Harris Poll. 

The RSM US Middle Market Business Index provides a leading measure on the performance of businesses that make up the heart and soul of our country's economy.

Conducted quarterly using a panel of 700 middle market executives, the MMBI is designed to accurately reflect economic conditions in the middle market.

The labor market, cooling but still tight due to familiar staffing challenges,  continues to compel middle market businesses to invest in technology and optimize workforce strategies to ensure labor productivity.

One of those strategies—remote work—has proved to be an effective tactic for recruiting and retaining workers. A segment of middle market firms has institutionalized remote and hybrid work populations, policies and practices, according to findings in the Q4 2023 RSM US Middle Market Business Index survey.

The 10^th annual RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report: Cybersecurity 2025 found that Cybersecurity remains a prime concern for middle market companies, as evolving risks present nonstop threats to sensitive data and operations. Organizations face a daily challenge as cybercriminals continue leveraging traditional strategies like ransomware to launch harmful attacks, while new technology such as artificial intelligence and geopolitical concerns present elevated risks.

While the threat environment continues to become more complex, reported breaches have declined in new RSM research. According to findings in the Q1 2025 RSM US Middle Market Business Index survey, nearly one in five (18%) middle market companies experienced a data breach in the previous year, falling from a record-high 28% in last year’s data. Yet with methods becoming more sophisticated, some attacks may go undetected, highlighting the importance of continuously strengthening controls.     

As tariffs shift, supply chain decision makers zero in on technology investments.

As they navigate a changing global trade landscape, supply chain decision makers at middle market companies are prioritizing technology investments, compliance and outsourced services to optimize supply chains further and adapt to changing regulations, according to findings from  RSM's recent survey, fielded in March 2025.

Middle market businesses in the United States and Canada are making strides to adapt to recent or forthcoming sustainability regulations, even while some final rules have yet to be determined, survey research from RSM finds.

Moreover, these companies acknowledge that meeting sustainability requirements in an evolving regulatory landscape requires outside help.

With its immense potential to increase efficiency, insight and the user experience across many key business functions, the majority of middle market businesses report utilizing AI in new RSM research. According to findings in the RSM Middle Market AI Survey 2024: U.S. and Canada, 78% of executives at midsized companies use AI formally or informally, while 77% have adopted generative AI solutions. Use cases for generative AI are broad, led by quality control and customer service.