After a flat year for hiring (the same percentage of New Jersey employers looking to hire in 2024 – was the same percentage that indicated they were looking to decrease hiring), the prospects for 2025 are much better.
According to the 66th annual Business Outlook Survey by the N.J. Business and Industry Association, which was released today, 28% of business predicted they will increase hiring next year – compared with just 10%, which said they would do less hiring.
That’s all good – except for one key issue: Employers still indicated they are struggling to find qualified candidates.
For the second straight year, more than half (55%) said they found it challenging to find appropriate staffing. And while that is a marked drop from a year ago, when 70% said they were struggling, it’s still concerning.
According to the survey, of those who were challenged to find staff, 77% said there were not enough candidates or applicants to fill open positions, while 68% said candidates lacked the required skills or qualifications.
About the survey: Questions for NJBIA’s 66th Annual Business Outlook Survey, conducted in partnership with Signet Research of Englewood, were sent to New Jersey business owners and executive staff in September and October 2024. The report is based on 620 valid responses.
Most respondents were small businesses, with 66% employing 24 or fewer people.
Complete results for any survey question allowing a single response may equal slightly more or less than 100% due to calculations made before rounding.
To see the complete survey, click here.
