Labor market reports show rising hiring challenges in U.S. and Australia

Recent reports highlight growing difficulties in the global labor market, characterized by a disconnect between employers and job seekers. In the United States, a survey by Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll reveals that 44% of hiring managers report having open positions they cannot fill, the highest level since late 2023. The hiring process in the U.S. is also lengthening, with 43% of managers noting increased timelines and 21% reporting that positions are closed without a successful hire.

Job seekers in the U.S. face obstacles with automated systems, with 31% citing difficulty navigating automated processes and another 31% believing companies collect resumes without the intention of hiring.

In Australia, a market report from people2people indicates that while 82% of employers plan to hire, nearly one-third struggle with low application volumes or poor candidate matches. These delays contribute to increased costs related to recruitment, lost productivity, and the need for retraining.