As the U.S. economy enters the back half of 2025, a fresh survey shows that many employers are easing off the hiring gas pedal—and not without reason.
According to a new poll by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, employer confidence remains generally positive, but not as buoyant as it was just months ago. 78% of hiring managers still feel upbeat about their company’s hiring outlook—but that’s a slip from 84% last fall. Meanwhile, growing caution is unmistakable: 37% now hold a negative outlook, up seven percentage points from earlier figures.
So what’s going on? In short: slower hiring, tighter budgets, and more calculated workforce planning.
The Hiring Outlook: Still Positive, But Losing Steam
Only 58% of U.S. companies now say they plan to add to their workforce in the second half of 2025—a decline from 63% in fall 2024. The rest are holding steady (33%) or trimming staff (7%). That doesn’t signal a hiring freeze, but it does suggest employers are shifting gears.
“There’s a tone of strategic restraint,” said Bob Funk, Jr., CEO of Express Employment International. “They’re still hiring, but with more intention, more strategy, and a sharper eye on the future.”
Why Some Employers Are Still Hiring
For those still in growth mode, the motivations are clear—and largely reactive:
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52% are trying to keep up with increased workloads
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49% are adding new roles
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42% are replacing turnover
In other words, it’s about staying afloat and filling gaps—not explosive growth.
Budget Cuts Lead Reasons for Staff Reduction
Among employers pulling back, cost-cutting dominates, with 54% citing it as the main reason for shrinking their teams. Other factors include:
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26% responding to government policy changes
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25% dealing with falling demand
This lines up with broader economic indicators showing businesses preparing for tighter conditions, despite relatively low unemployment rates.
The Job Types in Play: Full-Time Down, Part-Time Up
Full-time roles are still the most commonly targeted by hiring teams, but interest is softening. This year, 81% of employers plan to hire full-timers—down from 86% last fall.
Meanwhile, part-time roles are gaining traction, now sitting at 28%, reflecting a broader labor trend toward flexibility and operational agility.
Also notable: hiring is now split evenly between entry-level and mid-level positions (50% each), but entry-level hiring has nosedived from 68% in spring 2024. That’s a clear signal companies are getting pickier—and potentially leaning more on experienced hires who can hit the ground running.
What It Means for HR Leaders
The latest data paints a picture of companies adjusting to economic headwinds—not panicking, but clearly pivoting toward leaner, smarter workforce strategies.
Hiring is happening, but it’s no longer about scaling fast. It’s about filling real needs, cutting fat, and preparing for whatever surprises the second half of the year might bring.
For HR leaders and recruiters, that means rethinking not just how many people to bring in, but which roles actually deliver impact—and how to justify each one in a more budget-conscious environment.
Survey Snapshot
Conducted by: The Harris Poll for Express Employment Professionals
Dates: June 2–28, 2025
Sample size: 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers
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