With a retail workforce topping 1 million employees and the industry poised for sales growth, the National Automobile Dealers Association believes its members now more than ever need to focus on hiring and keeping talented employees.

To help franchised dealerships stay competitive, officials are asking for participation in the NADA Dealership Workforce Study. The project is designed to provide the industry's only authoritative analysis of employee compensation, retention and turnover, employee benefits, work schedules and demographics.

NADA explained that dealerships that complete a questionnaire and submit their payroll data will receive two complimentary reports — including comparisons of their dealerships to their peers nationally, regionally and by state as well as by brand.

The participation period is open now through April 29. The study will close promptly so that NADA can provide dealers the information they need to adjust pay plans and benefit packages.

To begin the process, visit www.nadaworkforcestudy.com.

If dealers have any questions, they can send an email to WorkforceStudy@nada.org or call (800) 557-6232.