Workforce Trends and What They Mean for You

Workforce Trends & What They Mean for You

The world of work is always changing. Understanding those changes can help you feel more confident about your next steps. While 2025 brought slower job growth overall, it also showed meaningful progress for people with disabilities. By looking at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the nTIDE report, we can better understand what is happening in the workforce and what it means for job seekers moving into 2026.

What the Job Market Looked Like in 2025

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth slowed in 2025 compared to previous years, but hiring did not stop.

Key national trends included:

Employers added about 584,000 jobs across the year

In December 2025 alone, employers added 50,000 jobs

The national unemployment rate remained steady at around 4.4 percent

Health care and social assistance continued to add jobs, while some sectors like retail saw declines

This kind of job market reflects stability rather than rapid growth. Employers were more intentional about hiring and focused on finding the right fit for their teams. For job seekers, this can be a positive opportunity to pursue roles that align well with strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

What nTIDE Shows About Disability Employment

While overall job growth slowed, the nTIDE report showed encouraging progress for people with disabilities.

In late 2025:

Employment outcomes for people with disabilities reached historic highs

The employment-to-population ratio for working age people with disabilities increased from about 38.1 percent in December 2024 to about 38.9 percent in December 2025

Labor force participation also remained strong, showing that more people with disabilities were working or actively seeking work

These numbers matter because they reflect real people entering jobs, building skills, and staying connected to the workforce. Even during a cautious hiring year, disability employment continued to move forward.

What These Trends Mean for You in 2026

When we look at these patterns together, a hopeful picture emerges. First, employers are continuing to recognize the value people with disabilities bring to the workplace. Reaching near record employment levels during a slower economy shows that inclusive hiring is becoming more common and more intentional.

Second, opportunities continue to exist across many industries. Health care, customer service, administrative support, hospitality, logistics, and technology all remain areas where people with disabilities are contributing and succeeding.

Third, there is more flexibility in how work gets done. Skills-focused hiring, remote and hybrid roles, and a greater emphasis on practical strengths allow job seekers to pursue paths that do not require a traditional or linear career journey.

Progress is real, even though challenges remain. Employment rates for people with disabilities are still lower than for people without disabilities, which reminds us why continued support, accessibility, and advocacy are important.

Using Workforce Trends to Move Forward

Understanding the job market can help you make choices that feel more informed and less stressful. Here are a few ways to use this information in your own job search:

Focus on industries that continue to hire and value transferable skills

Highlight strengths such as reliability, attention to detail, creativity, and problem solving

Build communication and digital skills that employers consistently look for

Seek out workplaces that prioritize accessibility and inclusion

Use support services, like employU, to help you navigate applications, interviews, and workplace expectations

Every step forward matters, whether it feels big or small.

How employU Supports Your Employment Journey

We believe that data is most powerful when it helps people make confident, informed decisions about their lives.

We support job seekers by offering:

Career exploration that helps identify strengths, interests, accommodations, and ideal work environments

Pre-employment training focused on communication, digital skills, and workplace readiness

Paid work experiences that allow individuals to build confidence and explore career paths

Job development that connects people with employers who value diverse talent

On-the-job coaching that supports long term success, not just job placement

Support for both youth and adults at any stage of their employment journey

Our goal is not just employment, but meaningful and sustainable careers.

The job market does not have to be perfect for progress to happen. The 2025 data shows that people with disabilities are continuing to gain ground, even during slower economic periods.

You have strengths that matter. With the right information, support, and encouragement, you can find opportunities where those strengths are valued and where you can continue to grow. And we are here to help you explore options, build skills, and move forward with confidence. For more information, contact us using the form below.