Worker sentiment Archives

Thinking small

It was an eventful week at the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland. And behind the global headlines, I witnessed a part of the economy that often goes overlooked at these big events: small business

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Nearly 2 in 3 workers in the U.S. say they’re living paycheck to paycheck. But that number is much higher among one particular group: Repetitive task workers, many of whom work in hospitality, transportation, or retail jobs characterized by lower pay, fewer benefits, and limited scheduling flexibility.

Worker sentiment

November 12, 2025

Repetitive task workers: Financial strain and workforce dynamics

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Nearly 2 in 3 workers in the U.S. say they’re living paycheck to paycheck. But that number is much higher among one particular group: Repetitive task workers, many of whom work in hospitality, transportation, or retail jobs characterized by lower pay, fewer benefits, and limited scheduling flexibility.

AI isn’t just changing work. It might be changing workers. Our latest research finds that frequent use of the technology aligns with differences in how people think and feel about their jobs.

Worker sentiment AI/ML

October 15, 2025

AI isn’t just changing work. It might be changing workers.

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

AI isn’t just changing work. It might be changing workers. Our latest research finds that frequent use of the technology aligns with differences in how people think and feel about their jobs.

Employee sentiment hit yet another record in July, led by big jumps in manufacturing and educational services.

Worker sentiment EMC Index

July 15, 2025

Employee sentiment climbs to another record high

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, rose to a third straight record high in July, climbing eight points to 147.

Are more paydays better, even if the money is the same? According to workers, the short answer is yes, and both workers and employers can benefit. The reasons boil down to how workers perceive fairness.

Worker sentiment Data Lab

June 25, 2025

More paydays, more fairness? How pay frequency shapes worker perceptions of compensation

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Are more paydays better, even if the money is the same? According to workers, the short answer is yes, and both workers and employers can benefit. The reasons boil down to how workers perceive fairness.

Employee sentiment jumped 7 points in June, hitting a record high for the second straight month.

Worker sentiment EMC Index

June 17, 2025

Employee sentiment hit record high in June

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Employee sentiment jumped 7 points in June, hitting a record high for the second straight month.

Worker sentiment Data Lab

May 7, 2025

Small businesses: For women, they’re a different kind of workplace

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

We found a place where women are more likely to hold positions in upper management, are more likely to thrive, and are more likely to have the freedom to do their jobs as they see fit. Can you guess where? For the answer, check out our latest labor-market analysis.

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, lost five points in January, but remains near historic highs set in the second half of 2024.

Worker sentiment EMC Index

January 21, 2025

Employee sentiment fell in January

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Employee sentiment fell by five points in January. Worker sentiment in the information sector hit a record high.

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, rose in December. A previous post said it had fallen.

Worker sentiment EMC Index

December 17, 2024

Employee sentiment rose in December

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Correction: The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index rose in December. Finance, transportation and warehousing, professional services, and real estate also improved.

Thinking small

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Stay up to date with Data Lab

Repetitive task workers: Financial strain and workforce dynamics

AI isn’t just changing work. It might be changing workers.

Employee sentiment climbs to another record high

More paydays, more fairness? How pay frequency shapes worker perceptions of compensation

Employee sentiment hit record high in June

Small businesses: For women, they’re a different kind of workplace

Employee sentiment fell in January

Employee sentiment rose in December

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