In the variable labor landscape, small businesses feel the pulse of the economy, especially the mixed work market signals. According to the last NFIB business report in August 2025, 32% of small business owners, a short decrease in July, reported work. This trend reflects the concerns that are more extensive in finding qualified candidates and continue to be serious in the minds of business owners.
Small businesses are often the foundation of the economy, but they hold themselves with persistent personnel problems. 32% of the pandemic shows progress since landing, continues to show the density of the labor market. “Although the economy is doing well, small businesses are re-scales in the opening of the work,” NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners with opening openings are still looking for qualified applicants, many are looking for the quality of labor as the most important problem.”
The report shows a nuisance view of the workforce in small enterprises. 21% of the owners listed the quality of labor as they chose the quality in accordance with the previous month. It is interesting that 28% were opened for qualified positions, 1 point, and the need for unskilled labor, while 13% of such openings saw a small increase with 1 point. These numbers show a complex request for different skill sets.
Currently, 53% of small business owners tried to hire or hire in August, and 4 points below July. 81% of those recruited to an important 43% among them, 81% of those who find several or any qualified applicants, a short decrease in the previous month. 26% of business owners are fighting these numbers, fighting in the absence of qualified candidates, and 17% show that they have not found any of 17%.
The demand for labor between the sectors is significantly. When construction, production and transport industry, financial and wholesale sectors are behind the highest level of work. This difference emphasizes the importance of adapting hiring strategies to meet unique requirements of special industries.
Despite the existing complications, opptation continues between small business owners in connection with the creation of jobs. 15% plan to expand 15% to expand the workforce in three months in this area in a row in a row in three months. In recruiting intentions, this higher trend is compatible with a wider economic recovery, but emphasizes the need for employees to re-thinking hiring and retention strategies.
Another important aspect for business owners to take into account is compensation. The NFIB report shows that 69% of owners have raised compensation in August, which is 2 points from July 2. In the next three months, we plan to increase compensation to more than 20% in the same period. Vie for talent for growing salary pressures because this development emphasizes the development of the competitive labor market.
The population of the population has previously reduced the shifts in the work expenses that can be more comfortable in recruitment and compensation strategies for 9% of previously business owners.
These findings for small business owners offer both concepts and difficulties. Understanding the developing landscaping of labor requirements will be the basis for successful recruitment and formation of operating strategies. It will require compensation, recruitment and quality employees to balance, agility and foresight.
As the business owners think these concepts, they will have to invest in innovative hiring experiences, skills based on strategic goals, and perhaps employee development programs. Exploring the technology used for local educational institutions to participating in business fairs, the gap between existing jobs and talent supplies can help the bridge.
The forward path remains ink ink with an optimistic worldview by hiring obstacles. Small business owners who are active in addressing this dynamics are better placed to develop.
For more information, you can see the full NFIB business report here.