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The gig economy: A tale of two labor markets

Contingent work goes well beyond the stereotypes. And we found one group of on-demand entrepreneurs who do far better than others when it comes to pay and opportunities.

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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.

Unemployment Geographic trends

May 21, 2025

Summertime: For some employers, it’s no picnic

by Sam Adieze

Summer paints a vivid picture. For many Americans, it’s a season of relaxation and adventure. But for employers, especially those in retail and leisure and hospitality, it’s a period of heightened labor demand and a less-visible struggle with high worker turnover.

Employee sentiment climbed three points May to a record, with five of the series’ 10 sectors showing improvement.

EMC Index

May 20, 2025

Employee sentiment index hit record high in May

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

The ADP Research Employee Motivation and Commitment Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, rose three points to a record high in May.

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.

Employment Wages

May 6, 2025

Small employers: Lean pay, more flexibility?

by Issi Romem, Ph.D.

When ADP Research examined the bottom half of gross wages, we found them to be relatively similar at businesses of all sizes, with one exception: At the smallest employers, the lowest wages were noticeably lower.

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, rose in April, returning to a series high.

April 15, 2025

Employee sentiment index rose in April

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

The ADP Research Employee Motivation and Commitment Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, gained two points in April to return to its series high.

The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index fell slightly in March, dropping two points to 127.

EMC Index

March 18, 2025

Employee sentiment dips in March

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, fell slightly in March. Only three of the 10 sectors we track showed strength.

The EMC Index, which tracks how people think and feel about their jobs, climbed five points in February, matching the record high set in July 2024.

February 18, 2025

Employee sentiment rebounded in February

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D. • Jared Northup

Employee sentiment rebounded in February, gaining 5 points to match a record high set in July 2024. Two sectors—retail and wholesale trade, and information—hit new record highs.

Data Lab

The gig economy: A tale of two labor markets

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Employee sentiment hit record high in June

Summertime: For some employers, it’s no picnic

Employee sentiment index hit record high in May

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

Small employers: Lean pay, more flexibility?

Employee sentiment index rose in April

Employee sentiment dips in March

Employee sentiment rebounded in February

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