Unemployment Rate
4.4$
Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 50,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate changed little in December. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance, while retail trade jobs declined.
The labor force participation rate also changed little at 62.4%. Average hourly earnings increased by 12 cents (0.3%) to $37.02. The average workweek edged down by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours.
According to the American Staffing Association, temporary help employment was 1.54% of total nonfarm employment in December.
Major Industry Employment
Notable Gains and Losses
- Leisure and Hospitality: +47,000
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: +38,500
- Government: +13,000
- Transportation and Warehousing: -6,600
- Manufacturing: -8,000
- Construction: -11,000
- Retail Trade: -25,000
Read the full report at BLS.gov.
Monthly revisions may occur due to additional reports received since the latest published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors.
For more information, visit BLS.gov.
Workforce & Economic News
4 Ways the Workplace Will Evolve in 2026
SmartBrief – January 8, 2026
In 2026, workplaces will lean heavily on AI-enabled collaboration, with agents supporting decision-making and daily tasks. Leaders will center on adaptive security and AI strategy as organizations integrate these technologies. Companies that adopt modular AI systems for collaboration, customer experience, and security will gain a competitive edge.
The Great Compliance: Workers Back Down as Employers Regain Power in 2026
MyPerfectResume – January 9, 2026
Employee leverage has sharply declined as only 7% would quit over mandatory return-to-office mandates—down from 51% in early 2025—signaling a significant shift in the job market toward employer dominance. Seventy-four percent of workers expect reduced bargaining power and anticipate stricter on-site attendance and surveillance, indicating that hiring strategies and workplace policies will increasingly emphasize physical presence and monitoring.
Nearly 70% Of Workers Say Nepotism Is Widespread in the U.S.
HR Executive – January 8, 2026
Nearly 70% of workers say nepotism is common, and almost half have lost opportunities to family connections. Most agree it hurts morale and trust in leadership, despite many hires being qualified. Leaders should strengthen transparent hiring and promotion practices to protect culture and retention. Leaders can mitigate negative perceptions by focusing on individual performance and preparing to handle complaints.
America Employed
Insights from Express Employment International
Strong US Hiring Sentiments Face a Reality Check in 2026: Skill Shortages and AI Challenges Ahead
ExpressPros.com – December 29, 2025
Businesses are entering 2026 with renewed confidence and ambitious hiring plans. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, optimism is high, headcount growth is accelerating and companies are embracing contingent talent to meet evolving needs, even as skill gaps remain the biggest challenge. Two-thirds of companies plan to increase headcount in the first half of 2026; the highest level recorded since this study began in 2020. Many are hiring to expand into new markets and gain expertise in emerging areas, with 39% focused on market expansion and 38% seeking new skill sets.
56% of Employees Feel Gift-Giving Pressure, and Nearly Half Say It Hurts Their Wallet
ExpressPros.com – December 10, 2025
An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals a surprising truth: while workplace celebrations and gift exchanges are widespread, many employees feel more pressured than joyful when it comes to giving gifts.
Nearly all U.S. hiring managers (94%) say their company hosts celebrations, most commonly for holidays (61%), birthdays (51%), and work anniversaries (50%). And nearly two-thirds (64%) report that employees regularly exchange gifts. But beneath the surface of these cheerful traditions lies a growing sense of obligation.
