of respondents say the labor market is tight, citing hiring difficulties.
perceive a soft market, down sharply from 45% in our Q4 2023 survey.
believe the market is balanced, continuing a steady decline from 62% in Q4 2022.
The national unemployment rate averaged 4.1% in Q1 2025—low by historical standards, though slightly up from prior quarters. This signals a market that is still relatively tight but showing early signs of easing. The economy added an average of 174,000 jobs per month, outpacing the 100,000–150,000 jobs typically needed to match population growth.
The Q1 2025 labor market is best described as balanced with underlying strain. While hiring remains steady and unemployment remains low, economic indicators and shifts in employer sentiment point to possible challenges ahead, especially if trade policy uncertainty continues to ripple through supply chains and demand. While some economists, supported by BLS data, suggest that the labor market is balancing but beginning to soften, organizations must remain agile in their hiring strategies, workforce engagement, and decision-making structures.
Our labor poll methodology is simple: we ask one straightforward question with three possible response choices. The results, when viewed alongside BLS data, offer a reliable barometer for understanding current market conditions and preparing for what’s ahead.
To explore the full survey results and learn how your organization can respond to evolving labor trends, contact us at attadalepartners.com or book a 30-minute conversation with our Managing Director, Geoff Colgan here.
And as we continue tracking these trends throughout 2025, we’ll bring you the latest data and insights to support workforce planning, talent development, and strategic growth.
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Q1 2025 survey responses collected between April 6th – 25th, 2025. Respondents were not compensated for their participation