4 in 10 businesses face weekly staff shortages: Indeed Flex

TEXAS, UNITED STATES — A new research conducted by Indeed Flex revealed that over two-fifths (43%) of U.S. businesses find themselves short-staffed at least once a week.
The survey, which involved 1,000 U.S. business owners and hiring managers, indicated that 38% of companies are struggling to recruit sufficient workers amid ongoing labor shortages, affecting nearly all sectors.
Economic factors impact hiring decisions
The survey highlighted inflation as the principal concern for 39% of businesses, influencing hiring strategies significantly this year. Additionally, 25% of the respondents noted that the overall performance of the U.S. economy would impact their recruitment efforts.
Despite these challenges, 55% of businesses remain optimistic about their prospects for 2025, with 57% of employers expecting to ramp up their hiring activities. Only 6% anticipate a slowdown in recruitment.
Adaptive strategies and future outlook
Thirty-six percent of companies are pivoting towards temporary staffing solutions to address their workforce gaps. This shift represents a strategic approach to managing both staffing needs and budgetary constraints.
“Businesses increasingly turn to flexible staffing to bridge workforce gaps and manage budgets. By increasing the use of temporary workers, they will experience cost savings versus hiring permanent employees,” said Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex.
Companies are diversifying their hiring strategies, with 58% planning to expand their full-time workforce and 44% looking to increase part-time positions. This multi-faceted approach to staffing suggests businesses are adapting to the evolving labor market while maintaining their growth trajectories.