Workers might be feeling better about the job market
Workers might be feeling better about the job market
Emma OckermanTue, April 21, 2026 at 4:09 PM UTC
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Could it be possible that workers are harboring a modicum of good vibes on the state of the job market?
Apparently so. Data from ADP Research published Tuesday showed that worker sentiment actually improved in April — a reversal from seven straight months of consecutive declines — as the private payroll processor’s index for employee motivation and commitment ticked up three points to reach 132.
Sentiment improved most among workers in healthcare and social assistance — a supersector that has been responsible for much of recent job growth.
“The healthcare industry has been leading the way on hiring, and that strong job growth is reflected in worker sentiment,” Mary Hayes, director of people and performance at ADP Research, said in a statement.
Hiring sign for sales professionals is displayed at a store, in Vernon Hills, Ill., Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) ()
There is evidence that conditions are improving in the labor market more broadly, or at least not actively getting worse. The economy added a whopping 178,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate slid to 4.3%, an improvement from late 2025. ADP’s payroll data also suggests that, as of early April, private employers increased hiring for five straight weeks.
Speaking in Detroit earlier this month, Federal Reserve governor Philip Jefferson said the job market was showing “signs of stabilization,” with job growth possibly steady enough to support employment among a working population that’s quickly losing immigrants and older Americans.
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Still, those signs weren’t translating to a completely confident, all-good-here assessment.
“Job gains recorded in recent months were enough to keep the unemployment rate stable, but a sufficiently large negative economic shock could push job gains below that range, driving up the unemployment rate,” Jefferson said.
Emma Ockerman is a reporter covering the economy and labor for Yahoo Finance. You can reach her at emma.ockerman@yahooinc.com.
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