Current:Home > NewsAmerican workers are feeling confident in the current job market: 4 charts explain why-InfoLens
American workers are feeling confident in the current job market: 4 charts explain why
View Date:2024-12-23 11:41:13
An uptick in labor strikes over the past several months paired with a stabilized labor market has impacted Americans’ perceptions of their jobs.
A recent study unveils current trends related to U.S. jobs and labor — Americans report having more bargaining power, asking for higher compensation and sometimes leaving their jobs for other lines of work.
Morning Consult, a nonpartisan survey research company, analyzed the current state of the U.S. labor market and surveyed a nationally representative sample of workers to gauge worker leverage, job satisfaction and security.
Here are some key takeaways:
- In 2023, workers are reporting having more bargaining power, with a rising share saying their employer would increase their salary if asked.
- Employees say they feel their worker leverage is higher, especially among union workers.
- In-demand industries are seeing a rising share of workers actively applying for new roles
- Union members are more likely to ask for higher compensation in the past year, and are more likely to be actively applying for new job.
Workers say they have more bargaining power
Workers are confident in their ability to get a pay raise, according to surveyed data. These positive feelings of worker leverage are especially high among union members.
More than half of all adults surveyed said if they asked their employer for a raise, it was likely their salary would increase. When asked the same question, three-fourths of union members said it was likely their salary would increase.
“We are seeing an increase in the share of workers who are thinking positively about their own bargaining power,” said Jesse Wheeler, Senior Economist at Morning Consult. “I think it speaks to the longevity of the strength of the labor market,” Wheeler continued.
“The longer the labor market has been strong, the longer people feel secure in their jobs... so they might feel more confident to ask for more pay.”
In that same vein, union members were much more likely to have asked for a raise in the past year compared with non-union workers. As major strikes have popped up across the U.S., these positive feelings towards worker leverage are leading to union workers taking action.
Feelings of leverage and bargaining power vary by age group, with working adults aged 35-44 being the most confident in receiving a raise after asking their employer.
Americans are searching for jobs more frequently now
Job search activity is on the rise this year, according to Morning Consult data. "This can be generally viewed as a sign of labor market strength, as job switchers are rewarded with higher pay in a tight labor market," according to the report.
People working in construction are increasingly looking for other jobs, along with tech workers.
Wheeler said the pandemic caused a huge disruption in the way Americans lived and worked. Once workers’ routines were upended, whether through layoffs, furloughs, or something else, people started to rethink what their jobs were, leading to career switches and job changes.
Worker satisfaction is higher for those represented by a union
Union-workers tend to report being more satisfied with their benefits such as paid time off policies and compensation, compared to non-union workers.
September Jobs Report:Jobs report shows payrolls grew by 336K jobs while unemployment held at 3.8%
What to know about labor movements:Auto, healthcare and restaurant workers striking.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Family of security guard shot and killed at Portland, Oregon, hospital sues facility for $35M
- Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People,' dies at 88
- Charges against Alec Baldwin in the 'Rust' movie set shooting dropped for now
- Haylie Duff Shares Must-Haves She Can’t Live Without, Including an Essential With 76,400+ 5-Star Reviews
- Conviction and 7-year sentence for Alex Murdaugh’s banker overturned in appeal of juror’s dismissal
- The fantastical art of Wangechi Mutu: from plant people to a 31-foot snake
- Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Los Angeles Rape Case
- Showbiz knucklehead Pete Davidson explains himself – again – in 'Bupkis'
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- Why Chris Olsen and Meghan Trainor's Friendship Is Much Deeper Than a Working Relationship
Ranking
- Man is 'not dead anymore' after long battle with IRS, which mistakenly labeled him deceased
- Emily in Paris’ Ashley Park Joins Only Murders in the Building Season 3
- Three Harry Belafonte performances you won't want to miss
- Howie Mandel’s Masked Singer Exit Interview Will Genuinely Make You Laugh
- Tennessee suspect in dozens of rapes is convicted of producing images of child sex abuse
- Dame Edna creator Barry Humphries dies at age 89
- Isla Bryson, trans woman who transitioned while awaiting trial for rapes, sentenced to prison in Scotland
- Brooklyn Peltz Beckham Debuts Massive Tattoo Portrait of Wife Nicola Peltz Beckham
Recommendation
-
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas says he was detained in airport over being ‘disoriented’
-
In 'Baby J,' John Mulaney's jokes are all at the expense of one person: John Mulaney
-
After nearly four decades, MTV News is no more
-
We debate the greatest TV finales of all time
-
Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday light display in Manhattan changing up this season
-
Paris Hilton Reveals Name of Her and Carter Reum's Baby Boy
-
Italy migrant boat shipwreck: Whole families reportedly among victims who paid $8K each for voyage of death
-
Shirtless Shawn Mendes Steps Out for Hike With Doctor Jocelyne Miranda