Survey results are in from the latest Employer Experience Survey. A total of 71 employer services staff from workforce and economic development agencies and organizations across the state took the survey. Their responses offer unique insights into current workforce conditions and trends they witness during their work with Minnesota employers. The survey was conducted over three weeks ending on September 11. The last such survey was conducted in February 2026
Survey respondents indicated that the 6-month outlook of employers they serve is mixed, with 40% saying they are somewhat or very pessimistic, while 30% say the employers they serve are somewhat optimistic. (Percentages are rounded so they do not equal 100%.) This is similar to the February 2026 responses, which indicated 42% of employers served were somewhat or very pessimistic and 33% said somewhat or very optimistic.
Of employer services staff who have worked with employers for at least a year, 29% indicate that the employers they are working with are having a somewhat harder or much harder time hiring for their open positions compared to a year ago. Roughly 19% said it was somewhat easier for employers to hire the workers they need and 52% said it was about the same as a year ago.
Most employer service staff who responded to the September 2026 survey say the employers they work with utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in some way: 10% said employers used AI very often, 41% said somewhat often, 7% said somewhat less often and 7% said not often at all, while 35% reported they didn’t know if the employers they work with use AI tools or systems. Of the 45 respondents who were aware of employers they work with utilizing AI, 56% said employers use AI primarily for operational functions, with most respondents saying employers use AI to increase productivity by automating routine or repetitive activities. Only one respondent said employers primarily use AI to replace positions formerly filled by humans. Meanwhile, 37% say of respondents say employers primarily utilize AI in the hiring process, with most citing AI use in applicant screening.
The percentage of September 2026 Employer Experience Survey respondents (51%) who say employers they work with utilize artificial intelligence very often or somewhat often is the same as the last round of the survey conducted in February 2026.
Professionals invited to take the Employer Experience Survey are employer services staff who work for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Local Workforce Development Areas, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other entities focused on serving Minnesota employers. Employer services staff are defined as professionals who work with employers to address workforce needs. The Employer Experience Survey is conducted twice a year and over time will assist with tracking workforce trends in Minnesota. The Employer Experience Survey is a companion to the Job Search Experience Survey, which is completed by job counselors and others who serve job seekers in preparing for and finding work in Minnesota.
- Read a summary of results of a recent survey of workforce development professionals who work with job seekers about the Job Search Experience in Minnesota.
- Looking for work or looking for workers? Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you.
- Employers: looking for specific assistance with finding the workforce you need, regional labor market information or other assistance? Meet your regional team.
