With the 2026 labour market underway, a new survey shows that a large majority of U.S. job seekers anticipate greater difficulty finding employment in the months ahead, even as many are already actively searching. The findings come from a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll report capturing worker sentiment early in the year.
According to survey results released on January 14, 2026, 58 per cent of U.S. job seekers believe it will be harder to find work over the next six months than in the recent past. Meanwhile, 42 per cent say they are already on the job hunt as the new year begins, indicating heightened anxiety coupled with proactive job-seeking behaviour.
Market Expectations and Search Priorities
While respondents expressed concerns about overall hiring conditions, many still hold out hope for higher compensation. Nearly half of survey participants, 46 per cent, expect wages to rise in 2026 versus 2025, suggesting that pay remains a central focus amid a challenging labour market.
Full-time employment interest remains strong. The survey found 82 per cent of job seekers prioritise full-time work, compared with just 35 per cent who said part-time roles are appealing. This preference underscores a continuing desire for stable and predictable employment in a climate of uneven opportunity.
At the same time, 37 per cent of respondents believe there are fewer job opportunities now than one year ago, a notable shift from the 48 per cent reporting that view in 2025, reflecting evolving perceptions of labour demand.
Economic and Labour Trends in Context
The job seeker sentiment captured in the survey aligns with broader trends in the U.S. labour market. Recent data shows that initial jobless claims remained below expectations as of early January 2026, with roughly 198,000 Americans filing new claims, indicating continuing resilience in layoffs even as hiring remains sluggish. The unemployment rate held around 4.4 per cent.
At the same time, structural challenges, including demographic shifts, skills mismatch, and technological change, are expected to shape employment dynamics throughout 2026. Analysis from labour market forecasters suggests that tight labour supply and a slower pace of new job creation may persist as employers and job seekers adjust to post-pandemic economic conditions and rising automation pressures.
Outlook for Workers and Employers
For job seekers, the outlook represents a complex mix of uncertainty and opportunity. While a majority anticipate a tougher environment to secure roles, significant fractions remain hopeful about wage growth and are taking active steps toward new employment.
Experts say adaptability, ongoing skills development, and strategic job-search approaches will be key to success in 2026’s evolving job market. These survey insights offer a snapshot of worker expectations as economic conditions continue to shift.
