A /deed/data/data-tools/employer-experience/index.jspnew survey taken in October 2025 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 are privy to a trove of information they glean from their conversations with employers on various topics. This survey is our attempt to provide a platform to share current data about what is on the minds of the employers we work with, with the intent of it being updated twice per year, and the results displayed in /deed/data/data-tools/employer-experience/index.jspan interactive Tableau dashboard that compares results for each of the six planning regions of Minnesota and Minnesota statewide.

In the October 2025 survey, when asked: "Overall, how would you describe employers' outlook for the next six months?" Central Minnesota responses leaned more negative than the state, but also more decisive. In Central, 54% described employer outlook as somewhat pessimistic, while 39% were optimistic (31% somewhat optimistic and 8% very optimistic). Only 8% selected don't know/unsure, and 0% chose very pessimistic.

Statewide, responses were more mixed and less certain. Across Minnesota, 44% reported employers were somewhat pessimistic, but a much larger share (33%) selected don't know/unsure. Optimism was lower statewide as well (20% somewhat optimistic and 2% very optimistic). One potential takeaway is that Central Minnesota's business-facing partners may be hearing clearer signals from employers, while statewide responses reflect a wider range of regional conditions and industries with more uncertainty.

A second question helps explain why outlook can feel cautious even when hiring conditions improve. When asked: "Compared to one year ago, how would you rate employers' ease of hiring?" Central Minnesota respondents were notably more likely to say hiring is getting easier. In Central, 54% said hiring is somewhat easier, and 31% said it is about the same. Only 16% said it is harder (8% much harder and 8% somewhat harder), and 0% selected much easier.

Statewide, the picture is less favorable: 35% said hiring is about the same, 31% said it is somewhat harder, and 26% said it is somewhat easier. This may indicate that some areas of Minnesota remain in a tighter labor market, while Central Minnesota may be moving toward a more balanced environment with more available jobseekers. For employers, "easier hiring" can be a relief, but it may also reflect slower growth or softer demand, which could help explain why the outlook remains cautious.

For more information about employer perceptions in Central Minnesota, contact Luke Greiner at Luke.Greiner@state.mn.us.