U.S. Employers Adjust Hiring Strategies Amid Economic Concerns for 2025

As summer advances, a notable shift is occurring among U.S. employers regarding their hiring plans for the year ahead. A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals sheds light on this trend, revealing that while a majority of hiring managers maintain a positive outlook, a decline in overall confidence is evident when compared to previous months.

According to the survey, 78% of hiring managers express optimism about their company’s hiring plans for the remainder of 2025. Despite this relatively high percentage, it marks a noticeable decrease from last fall's figures, where confidence was reported at 84%. Meanwhile, the number of employers projecting a negative outlook has risen to 37%, a significant jump from the 30% recorded just a few months earlier.

The cautious approach to hiring reflects a fundamental reassessment of business growth strategies. Only 58% of companies now plan to expand their workforce in the latter half of the year, down from 63% in fall 2024. A third of employers expect to maintain their current staffing levels, while 7% anticipate reductions.

For those companies still committed to hiring, the motivations are clear. An impressive 52% cite the need to manage increasing workloads as a major driver, while 49% aim to fill newly established roles and 42% plan to replace team members who have departed due to turnover. However, the data suggests that for many businesses, economic pressures and budget constraints are reshaping their staffing strategies. Over half of the companies planning to cut back on their workforce attribute this decision primarily to cost-cutting initiatives (54%), followed by adjustments to comply with government policy changes (26%) and responses to diminished demand for their products or services (25%).

The survey also highlights evolving hiring preferences. While full-time roles remain the most in-demand at 81%, this figure has dipped from 86% reported last fall. On the other hand, the number of part-time positions being advertised has increased, now standing at 28%. Interestingly, hiring appears evenly divided between entry-level and mid-level workers, with each category accounting for 50% of targeted roles. However, entry-level hiring has significantly diminished, plummeting from 68% the previous spring.

Bob Funk, Jr., the CEO of Express Employment International, provides valuable insight into this trend, stating, “These numbers tell a story of employers recalibrating. They’re still hiring, but with more intention, more strategy, and a sharper eye on the future.”

What this means for job seekers is a shifting landscape where employers are increasingly selective. Tailoring applications to showcase not just skills and qualifications, but also adaptability and alignment with the company’s goals, could be key strategies moving forward.

The Job Insights survey, which involved 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers, was conducted online from June 2 to 28, 2025, offering a timely perspective on the evolving labor market.

In summary, as employers navigate the challenges of the upcoming year, job candidates will need to remain flexible and responsive to the realistic demands of the market. Those companies that succeed will undoubtedly emerge stronger by employing a more strategic approach to hiring while adapting to the current economic climate.

For additional details about the survey methodology or insights from Express Employment Professionals, please contact the organization directly. Understanding the changing perceptions in the hiring landscape may provide crucial advantages for both employers and prospective employees alike.