As the labor market sends mixed signals, more U.S. workers are preparing now for a potentially tougher future, according to a Sept. 24 report from Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll.
Nearly 8 in 10 job seekers said they believe employers have the upper hand in today’s market, yet 44% are looking for a new job, marking a steady increase from 41% in fall 2024 and 35% in spring 2024.
“Today’s labor market is full of contradictions. Opportunities exist, but finding the right fit is harder than ever,” Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, said in a statement.
In a survey of 1,000 U.S. workers, 40% expressed worries about layoffs, 31% reported fears about reduced hours or pay and 31% said they see no path for advancement.
Job seekers also feel less optimistic about the job search, with 59% saying it’ll be harder to find a job in the next six months, up from 48% in fall 2024. In addition, 48% said they believe there are fewer job opportunities than a year ago, increasing from 33% in fall 2024.
More than half of workers said their top challenge includes finding opportunities that match their qualifications, citing barriers such as a lack of relevant experience, limited openings in their field or their skills don’t align with employer demands.
In response, job seekers are turning to flexibility, with 83% saying they’re willing to accept a different role than they initially planned. In addition, 75% would consider temporary or contract work, 24% would relocate, 23% would switch industries and 19% would take a pay cut.
Consumer confidence generally has dropped amid anxiety about the cooling job market and slowing income gains, according to a report from The Conference Board. The proportion of consumers who said jobs are hard to get rose to the highest level since 2021.
Similarly, job seekers have expressed concerns about job availability due to the economy and increased investment in artificial intelligence tools. By the end of 2026, nearly 4 in 10 companies plan to replace workers with AI, according to a report by Resume.org. High-salary employees, those without AI skills, recently hired workers and entry-level employees face the highest risks for layoffs, the report found.
