NJBIA Business Outlook Survey Spotlight: Staffing & Employment

NJBIA released its 66th annual Business Outlook Survey on Dec. 2. While much of the attention of the 2025 outlook survey focused on New Jersey’s next governor and affordability, there were many other facets of the survey.

Today, we look at deeper at New Jersey’s staffing and employment data found in the 2025 Business Outlook Survey.

Staffing 

For the second straight year, 55% said they were challenged to find appropriate staffing – an improvement from a 70% total in 2022.

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.

Employment

New Jersey businesses saw a slight decrease in hiring levels in 2024. About 20% increased hiring this year, compared to 23% in 2023. Another 20% decreased hiring.

That’s a net-zero hiring number for 2024.

Looking to 2025, 28% predicted they will increase employment, compared to 10% which predicted less hiring – an +18% net positive hiring outlook. Sixty-two percent said they’ll stay about the same.