As part of the Worker Voice Project, we conducted a national survey of workers – both employed and unemployed – to understand their sentiments on the economy, their opinions of their jobs, what makes a quality job, and what policies and practices they support.
A consistent worker sentiment survey should be part of the federal government’s data collection efforts to inform policy makers and economists, not only consumer and business sentiment.
Our findings revealed a workforce under pressure—grappling with economic uncertainty, demanding better job quality, and strongly supporting workforce development initiatives.
Economic Strain and Financial Insecurity
- 65% of workers report struggling to make ends meet or finding it difficult to save for unexpected expenses.
- Inflation is hitting hard: 78% say rising prices have a large or medium impact on their finances.
- Vulnerable groups—low-income households, women, and people of color—are disproportionately affected, with up to 83% of households earning under $50k reporting financial hardship.
Job Satisfaction and Mobility
- While 82% of workers are satisfied with their jobs overall, satisfaction dips among Latino workers (75%), those in the Northeast (73%), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (69%).
- Service industry employees—often younger, female, and part-time—are the least satisfied.
- 22% changed jobs in the past year, and 36% considered it, with higher pay cited as the top motivator.
Defining a “Good Job”
Workers overwhelmingly value:
- Safe, healthy working conditions (96%)
- Job security (95%)
- Stable, family-sustaining pay (93%) Yet, many lack these essentials. Only 41% report having stable pay, and fewer than half have access to wealth-building opportunities or advancement pathways.
Workforce Development: Strong Support, Clear Priorities
- 81% support federal investment in workforce development initiatives, with younger workers and workers of color showing the strongest backing.
- Top policy priorities include:
- Encouraging businesses to create quality jobs (86%)
- Reducing education costs through apprenticeships and training (84%)
- Expanding benefits for non-traditional workers (81%)
- Over half (53%) believe workforce development should be a top or high federal priority.
The Bottom Line
America’s workforce is signaling a clear message: economic security and job quality matter more than ever. Workers want stable pay, safe conditions, and real opportunities for growth—and they expect employers and policymakers to deliver. Workforce development isn’t just a policy preference; it’s a necessity for a resilient economy and future with opportunity for all.
Employers, advocates, and policymakers must collaborate to close the gap between what workers value and what they experience. Investing in workforce development and quality job creation is not optional—it’s the foundation for long-term economic and worker health.
Want to learn more? Check out our topline survey results and a summary and visualization of our findings below:
The Worker Voice Project 
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