In a changing working environment, small companies feel the pulse of the economy by exploring noticeably mixed job search market signals. According to the latest NFIB Jobs report in August 2025, 32%of the owners of small business owners reported a job opening that was not filled, showing a slight decline in July. This trend reflects wider challenges in finding qualified candidates and is concerned that the business owner continues to put weight on the hearts of the business owner.
Small companies are often the cornerstone of the economy, but they are struggling with continuous employee problems. 32%show progress after the infectious disease, but it continues to explain the pressure of the labor market. NFIB’s chief economist, Bill Dunkelberg, said, “The economy seems to be doing well, but small businesses are expanding from job seeking.
This report shows a subtle picture of the demands of small companies. 21%of the owners evaluated the quality of labor, which is consistent with the previous month, as the best concern. Interestingly, 28%have an openness of skilled positions, while reflecting one drop, while the necessity of inexperienced labor has increased slightly by raising a 13%opening by 1 point. This number shows complex demand for various technical sets.
Currently, 53%of the owners of small business owners have reported that they have attempted to hire or hire four points from July in July. Among them, significant 43% (actively hired), which is 81% of recruitment, did not find or receive applicants with a slightly reduced qualification than the former. Dropping this number, 26%of business owners are struggling due to the lack of qualified candidates, and 17%have not been found at all.
The demand for labor is very different in the sector. The construction, manufacturing and transportation industry witnesses the highest level of jobs, while the finance and wholesale sectors are behind. This difference emphasizes the importance of customizing recruitment strategies to meet the unique demands of a particular industry.
Despite the current complications, optimism is lasted among the owners of small businesses in relation to job creation. In the next three months, a 15%plan to expand the workforce has grown for three consecutive months in the area. The trend of hiring intention is consistent with a wide range of economic recovery, but emphasizes the need for companies to rethink the hiring and maintenance strategy.
Another important aspect that business owners should consider is reward. According to the NFIB report, 29%of the owners have rewarded in August, which has earned two points since July. In the next three months, 20% are plans to increase 3 points over the next three months. The development emphasizes the competitive labor market as the wage pressure rises and competes for talented people.
Low labor costs have previously reported as a major concern for 9%of business owners, but this figure is now slightly reduced, indicating that the movement of business costs can allow more flexibility to employment and compensation strategies.
For small business owners, these results provide insights and challenges. Understanding the environment of evolving labor demands may be a pivotal in formalizing successful recruitment and operating strategies. To maintain the pressure, recruitment and quality employment of compensation, agility and prediction are required.
As a business owner pondered this insight, it should invest in an employee development program that matches innovative recruitment practices, competency -based evaluation and strategic goals. Searching for partnerships with local educational institutions, participating in a job fair, or using recruitment technology can help to bridge the gap between available jobs and talent supply.
The way in the future still remains complicated, and hires obstacles to strengthen optimistic prospects. Small business owners who are active in dealing with these epidemiology can find a better position to thrive.
For more information, you can see the entire NFIB work report. here.
