Employer Experience Survey

What are employers expecting in the months ahead – and is hiring getting easier or harder than it was a year ago? A new survey taken in September 2026 of professionals who work directly with businesses – including economic development staff, Chamber staff, and employer services staff at Local Workforce Development Areas – offers a timely snapshot of employer sentiment.

These staff across various organizations have ongoing conversations with employers on various topics. This survey provides a platform to share current insights about what is on employers’ minds. The interactive data visualization below allows staff, partners, and the public to see the labor market through the eyes of those who work directly with businesses. Conducted twice each year, the survey will build a time series that not only tracks the health of Minnesota’s economy but also sheds light on emerging trends and shifts affecting employer establishments in real time.

Insights from the Frontlines: Employers Still Struggle with Finding Workers They Need Despite Loosening Labor Market by Rita Beatty & Luke Greiner

September 2026 Survey Results