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July 22, 2025

The pandemic changed the U.S. labor market. Here’s how. 

It’s been five years since Covid-19 lockdowns brought parts of the U.S. economy to a halt. While the crisis has passed, its impact on the labor market, especially wages, is still unfolding.
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Employee sentiment hit yet another record in July, led by big jumps in manufacturing and educational services.
Employee sentiment hit yet another record in July, led by big jumps in manufacturing and educational services.

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.
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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.
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.

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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.

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

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.
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Looking to reduce employee turnover? Here’s a secret ingredient for building a motivated and committed workforce.
Looking to reduce employee turnover? Here’s a secret ingredient for building a motivated and committed workforce.

November 19, 2024

Motivated and committed employees tend to stick around. Why?

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D.Jared Northup

Motivated and committed employees tend to stick around. There’s one big reason why.
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The percentage of workers who would rather be unemployed than unhappy decreases with age.
The percentage of workers who would rather be unemployed than unhappy decreases with age.

July 8, 2024

A job – or joy? Many Gen Z and young millennials would rather be unemployed than unhappy

by Mary Hayes, Ph.D.Jared Northup

What’s more important to workers today: being employed, or being happy? Our latest research investigates this question to understand what workers are currently prioritizing.
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