Abortion bans may lead to up to half of young talent leaving, according to new CNBC/Generation Lab Youth Survey findings.

Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia on October 14, 2022. One third (35 percent) stated they “probably accepted” the job offer while only 20% stated their firm commitment for it. “These numbers on abortion have massive ramifications for nearly every large company in America,” according to Cyrus Beschloss, CEO of The Generation Lab. “Companies must understand they will risk alienating or at the very least deterring much of the young talent they hope to recruit when operating from one of these states. “The Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade has ignited legal challenges and legislative initiatives at both state levels across America. Over the last two years, over 20 states have either banned or severely limited access to abortion procedures. Yet surveys like CNBC/Generation Lab’s poll indicate that abortion bans could have an immense effect on where and how young American workers choose to reside in future years. Survey conducted between April 26-May 2; margin of error +/- 3.1% 38% said their financial condition is “satisfactory” while 44% felt “pretty bad” best described their condition; 11% chose “extremely bad.” On Friday, the U.S. government published its latest employment report which revealed job growth had declined more in April than had been forecast by economists. However, overall unemployment remains under 4% for an unprecedented 27th straight month and indicates the strength of today’s job market. That same report revealed annual wage growth at 3.9% from April 2019 through April, the lowest level seen since June 2021 (4.01%). Meanwhile, CNBC/Generation Lab poll results reveal that Americans aged 18-34 feel trapped by inflation. Following the Federal Reserve’s most recent rate-setting meeting and leaving rates unchanged, Chairman Jerome Powell noted “inflation remains too high. “[Even so], Powell indicated at a press conference held in Washington that any successful efforts at curbing inflation remain uncertain and unpredictable. According to survey data collected at that event, 54% of respondents feel most affected by inflation with regard to food costs.” Rent inflation was identified by 22% as being where they most felt higher prices, followed by discretionary spending, health-care costs and utility bills. 68% responded that housing options available but unaffordable. An additional 21% said housing is difficult to come by. Mortgage rates remain at around 7.5%; thus preventing current homeowners from trading up, leaving potential first-time buyers unfulfilled and many frustrated by this lack of turnover. Delano Saporu, CEO of New Street Advisors Group a wealth management firm catering specifically to young investors, observed: “Many young people are trying to buy homes, yet face serious obstacles at present,” according to him. His clients tend to be middle income with stable jobs and salaries. “Rates are placing added strain on clients’ budgets, restricting their ability to purchase immediately, while many hope future Federal cuts may bring mortgage rates down,” Saporu explained in the poll results. Both revealed a decreased enthusiasm for investing since 2017’s market boom. Pollsters from CNBC/Generation Lab asked respondents how they invest their money, with 42% saying “not investing or saving right now”, while 18% claimed all their funds are kept in cash. Saporu noted, “The excitement over investing has subsided”. “People’s attitudes about investing are beginning to soften as markets no longer surge upward as rapidly.” Only 17% of young adults surveyed reported investing in stocks at present. “Over the past couple years clients may have expressed an interest in buying some random crypto coin or stock, which I now see less of,” according to Saporu.He noted two key social issues as rallying cries for young voters participating in his poll: gender equity and immigration reform. TikTok is one such application. President Joe Biden recently signed into law an act passed unanimously by Congress that could force TikTok’s Chinese owner to either sell the app or face being banned in America. When offered two options on how the government should proceed with TikTok, 70 percent of survey respondents preferred that TikTok continued operating normally without restrictions from being banned by US laws. 70% said they prefer that TikTok be banned in America while 30% preferred that it not be prohibited here. Another important social issue arising is a growing interest for four-day workweeks. Steve Cohen, owner and chief investment officer for Point 72 hedge fund in New York and head of four-day workweek initiative is seen by him as realistic possibility. Daniel Steinle | Bloomberg | Getty Images, with only 3 candidates running, 29% of respondents said they planned on voting for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This poll covered battleground Arizona and Republican-friendly Florida and other areas — don’t miss these exclusives from CNBC PRO!