Greater Omaha Chamber Releases Young Professionals Survey

Omaha, NE -The Greater Omaha Chamber, partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Center for Public Affairs Research, released the 2024 Young Professionals Survey Report and its findings. This survey was designed to gather information about young professionals' experiences living and working in the Greater Omaha Region to identify areas of excellence and opportunity.

Among the positive key findings of this survey were the following:

• 92% stated that they actively advocate for DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in their workplaces​.
• 80% believe their employers actively promote DEI initiatives within their organization.
• 93% agree that focusing on DEI in the workplace is a good thing.
• 88%are satisfied with overall quality of life
• 88%are satisfied with entertainment, restaurants, and bars
• 86%are satisfied with quality of educational institutions
• 89%are satisfied with healthcare services

Among some of the challenges identified within the survey:

• 60% are dissatisfied with the cost of taxes (i.e. property, income, and sales taxes)
• 73% are dissatisfied with the transit options in the region
• 51% are dissatisfied with the cost of housing to rent or own
• 41%stated that they are dissatisfied with the opportunities for promotion and/or advancement at work
• 58%believe that if they wanted a promotion, they would have to move to another state

"The results paint a picture of key insights and areas of focus that we can use to meet our community needs where they stand today and in the future," said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.

"We can identify our current strengths and use them to continue bettering our position amongst our peer cities. This report tells us there is almost unanimous support from young professionals in both advocating for more inclusive environments and supporting the quality-of-life Omaha has to offer.

"However, our work is far from done. We also find from the survey's results some major challenges in reducing the tax burden, housing costs, and expanding transit options for us to target as well. This survey allows us to start from an informed position where we can lean into what is working and fix what is not, so we can continue driving Omaha forward," said Mello.

"It's an incredible opportunity to be part of a project that gathers original data to address pressing regional issues alongside action-oriented individuals who will put this data to meaningful use, making a real difference in the lives of Nebraskans," said Josie Schafer, Ph.D, Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha's Center for Public Affairs Research.

"This survey builds on previous research efforts in collaboration with the Greater Omaha Chamber to understand and address the root causes of brain drain. Results are overwhelmingly positive across several topics, showing that young professionals in the Greater Omaha Region are highly satisfied with both their quality of life and their workplace.

"Still, there are many opportunities to support young professionals on their career journeys to ensure they stay and grow in the region, including, offering opportunities for promotion and advancement, flexible scheduling, fair compensation and collaborative and rewarding workplace cultures. Of clear note, 93% of respondents said focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace was a good thing. But 23% of respondents did not feel that their employer actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their workplace," said Schafer.

Omaha Chamber YP CODE Survey Summary
Omaha Chamber YP CODE Survey Report
Omaha Chamber BOD Presentation

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