Vaco by Highspring’s Second Talent Pulse Report of 2025 Reveals Declining Worker Confidence Levels

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 29, 2025 – Confidence in career prospects is waning among job seekers and employees in the second quarter of 2025, according to recent data from Vaco by Highspring, a leading global Talent Solutions firm. Vaco’s Q2 Talent Pulse Report found decreased levels of confidence across all three categories surveyed—job security, financial status, and career advancement.  

“In today’s evolving economic environment, both employers and workers are navigating an increasingly complex hiring landscape,” said Kevin Witt, President of Vaco by Highspring.

“But this presents an opportunity for those who are agile: for employers to re-engage their teams with transparency and purpose, and for job seekers to realign with roles that offer long-term growth,” added Witt. “Despite the headwinds, strong demand for top talent remains, and those who adapt with flexibility and forward-thinking will be best positioned to thrive.”  

Key findings from the report include the following:  

Job Security 

• 38% of respondents reported extreme confidence in their ability to get and hold a job in Q2—down 5% from Q1 (43%). On a brighter note, Q2’s results were up 3 points year over year, up from 35% in the second quarter of 2024. 

• The number of respondents who are not confident in their ability to secure a job saw a 3% quarter-over-quarter increase, jumping from 29% in Q1 to 32% in Q2.  

Financial Status 

• 38% of respondents are extremely confident in their ability to improve their financial situation in the next 6 months—down 6% from Q1 and also down 6 points year over year.  

• 31% are not feeling confident in their ability to improve their financial situation, a 6% increase from last quarter (25%) and a 5-point uptick from a year ago (26%).  

Career Advancement 

• 43% expressed extreme confidence in their ability to advance their career in Q2, down 4% compared to Q1 (47%) and a 2-point decrease from a year ago (45%).  

• 29% of respondents reported a lack of confidence in their ability to advance their career in Q2. This figure is up 5% from last quarter (24%), and also up 5 points year-over-year (24%).  

The Vaco Talent Pulse Report is based on feedback from more than 10,880 respondents across the U.S. and Canada. This marks its eighth installment, and the fourth quarter that year-over-year comparative data is available. To access the report, visit https://learn.vaco.com/talent-pulse-report-q2-2025/. 

About the Q2 2025 Vaco Talent Pulse Report  

Poll questions to inform the Q2 2025 Vaco Talent Pulse Report were administered online through Vaco’s LinkedIn company profile on March 21, 2025; March 28, 2025; and April 4, 2025. Results and summaries are based on the 10,880 votes cast across the three polls. Demographics of those polled include people from across the U.S. and Canada who work in engineering, technology, accounting, finance, human resources, and operations. The majority are either senior, manager, director, vice president, or entry-level.  

About Vaco  

Vaco is the Talent Solutions division of Highspring, a leading global professional services organization. With expertise in Accounting and Finance, Technology and Digital, and Human Resources and Operations, Vaco provides Contract Staffing and Direct Hire solutions. Vaco’s parent company, Highspring, helps clients with two additional integrated service offerings: Consulting and Managed Services. With more than 10,000 employees across more than 45 offices worldwide, Highspring gives partners the agility to thrive, address challenges, and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Get to know us at vaco.com.  

Media Contact:  

Jamie Carpen 

(773) 575-1445  

jamie.carpen@highspring.com