The Worker Confidence Index (WCI) report shows changing attitudes of the American worker. However, HRO Today‘s report is based on quarterly findings, found here, through extensive online interviews of full-time workers. Since the US economy and labor market have been markedly volatile and ever-changing, HRO Today is publishing shorter, monthly updates to the WCI to further examine quarterly changes, working to understand root causes behind shifts in worker attitudes.
According to 2025’s first quarter (WCI) results, American workers felt slightly less confident in their jobs compared to the last quarter of 2024. Trust in company leadership further declined, marking a new low point. After declining last quarter, job security bounced back and returned to normal levels. Confidence in receiving a promotion dropped dramatically, though anticipation of a raise increased slightly. Read the full Q1’25 report here.
May 2025 Update
After steadily decreasing from February to April, the WCI and its indices seem to be recovering, reflecting increased optimism among American workers. Overall, the WCI and its indices are remarkably similar to that of Q2’24.
Though layoffs in the US have reached their highest level since 2020, American workers are now less fearful of losing their job in the short-term. The high number of previous layoffs could have positively impacted workers still in their original roles as competition for promotions and raises may have decreased. Certain sectors, including healthcare, recently experienced job gains, possibly impacting overall confidence. In April, over 177,000 jobs were added, more than originally predicted. Additionally, the US job market continues showing incredible resiliency through the end of 2024 as unemployment has stayed low.
While this increase in worker confidence can be attributed to a strong job market, an improving stock market, and the possibility of lowered tariffs, worker confidence is still volatile. American workers are still concerned about the possibility of a recession and its impact on the future labor market. While workers currently feel more confident overall, is this boost sustainable?
