Express Employment Professionals’ America Employed and Canada Employed series explore the state of employment in North America, including everything from hiring expectations and HR challenges to job seekers’ optimism and shrinking the skills gap. Learn about the latest insights uncovered in a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
Significant economic shifts are fueling decreased confidence and heightened anxieties among job seekers, profoundly shaping their outlook on employment. These shifts, including rising inflation, potential for recession, and increased layoffs across various sectors, are leading to a sense of instability and insecurity.
U.S. job seekers are experiencing lower levels of satisfaction with critical aspects of their current or potential employment, with key concerns including:
- 40% of job seekers cite not receiving the salary increase they deserve
- 31% of job seekers are worried about a slowdown in work opportunities because of the economy
- 31% fear their company may reduce the workforce due to the economic climate
- 29% worry about losing their job before finding a new one
Canadian job seekers expressed concerns about job security. These worries include:
- 34% of job seekers fear their company may reduce its workforce due to the economic climate
- 34% of job seekers worry about losing their job before finding a new one
- 26% of job seekers are concerned employers will decrease their hours
Read more about the latest employment insights in America Employed at ExpressPros.com and Canada Employed at ExpressPros.ca.
Last Updated on February 6, 2026
