In a sign that the labor market continues to be tight, the number of job openings was little changed at 11.3 million in January, according to the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report that came out on March 9.
By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy
In addition, while the number of quits edged down slightly in January, it still remains high, with 4.3 million. Quits decreased in retail trade and in information, but increased in finance and insurance, according to Labor Department data. The number of quits decreased in the Midwest region.
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The Labor Department said that job openings decreased in several industries, with the largest decreases in accommodation and food services; transportation, warehousing, and utilities. On the other hand, job openings increased in other services and in durable goods manufacturing. Job openings decreased in the West region.
“We’re no longer in the Great Resignation but rather in the Great Contemplation. Workers are rethinking not only their careers but also what they want out of life, and looking at how their job plays into that,” Zehavi said.
“This report shows that American workers are still not satisfied with what employers are offering, and are still searching for opportunities that offer greater experiences, purpose and cultures. What does this mean for employers? It means that they must do more to build a workplace that fosters people’s growth, gives them opportunity to make mistakes, and creates an environment where they can bring their authentic selves to work,” he added.
