Global Talent Barometer
2026 U.S. Report and Key Findings
In the latest edition of the Global Talent Barometer, U.S. workers reported an overall score of 72% for 2026, reflecting weakened confidence and job satisfaction, while well-being remained steady.
President & Chief Strategy Officer, ManpowerGroup
“The advance of AI means every leader is managing two horizons at once. There's the Now — running the business that exists today and supporting people through transformation. And there's the Next — building skills and confidence for an AI-infused future we are all still creating. This year's Global Talent Barometer reveals why it is critical we keep sight of that balance, and what becomes possible when we put people first and bring them along on the journey.”
Understanding Employee Sentiment
Key Takeaways and Opportunities
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Workforce Management
Workforce Consulting and Analytics
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Career Management
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Top Talent Attraction
ManpowerGroup interviewed 13,918 workers across 19 countries to ask how they felt about their well-being, job satisfaction, and confidence.
Becky Frankiewicz,
Worker Sentiment by Country
India
79%
Mexico
73%
The Netherlands
73%
73%
U.S.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Canada
71%
#6
U.K.
71%
#7
Malaysia
70%
#8
Australia
69%
#9
France
69%
#10
Norway
69%
#11
Poland
69%
#12
Germany
68%
#13
Spain
68%
68%
AVG.
#14
Sweden
68%
#15
Italy
66%
#16
Switzerland
66%
#18
Israel
63%
#17
Singapore
#19
Japan
47%
Persistent Burnout Offers Opportunity for Differentation
Employers that can take small steps to mitigate growing burnout can realize long-term retention and talent acquisition advantage.
of workers in the U.S. reported high levels of daily work stress.
Global Average
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Now in its third installment, the Global Talent Barometer – reflecting worker sentiment across three indices comprised of twelve distinct benchmarks – reveals what employees need and value most, helping employers understand and act on key drivers to attract and retain top talent in a changing world.
Global Talent Barometer Results
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2026 U.S. Talent Barometer Score:
72%
2026
2025
2024
78%
82%
38%
86%
71%
Work-Life Balance:
Values Alignment:
Minimal Daily Stress:
Meaning and Purpose:
2024
2025
2026
2024
2025
2026
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2025
2026
2026
2026
64%
#19
#18
#17
#16
#15
#14
#13
AVG.
#12
#11
#10
#9
#8
#7
#6
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
Japan
48%
Israel
64%
Singapore
63%
Switzerland
66%
Italy
63%
Sweden
66%
Spain
67%
Global Average
67%
Germany
68%
Poland
68%
Norway
68%
France
65%
Australia
70%
Malaysia
73%
U.K.
69%
Canada
68%
U.S.
72%
The Netherlands
72%
Mexico
71%
India
77%
#16
#15
#14
#13
AVG.
#12
#11
#10
#9
#8
#7
#6
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
Japan
50%
Singapore
62%
Switzerland
63%
Italy
60%
Sweden
64%
Spain
62%
Global Average
63%
Germany
64%
Poland
65%
Norway
64%
France
63%
Australia
64%
U.K.
65%
Canada
65%
U.S.
67%
The Netherlands
66%
Mexico
68%
India, Israel and Malaysia were not included in the 2024 survey.
Well-Being Index
54%
A greater focus on meaningful career path discussions offers employers the opportunity to tap into the workforce's desire for carrer and income growth.
Job Hugging but Still Eager for New Opportunities
Job Satisfaction Index
Employers that can translate knowledge of AI skills gaps into increased training participation will be best positioned to capitalize on its productivity potential.
Restoring Worker Confidence
Confidence Index
of employed workers say they are still actively applying for new jobs.
64%
of workers say they completed some level of training within the past six months.
47%
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Explore the Data
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Well-Being
Well-Being
Understanding employees’ sense of purpose, daily stress levels, alignment with organizational values, and work-life balance offers critical insight into how fulfilled, supported, and engaged they are in their work.
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Job Satisfaction
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Assessing employees’ perceptions of their current job satisfaction, job security, confidence in their job-search prospects, and the trustworthiness of their manager provides a clear view of how motivated and secure they feel in their roles.
Job Satisfaction
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Confidence
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Evaluating employees’ access to current career development opportunities, awareness of broader career pathways, confidence in their experience and skills, and comfort with the latest technology gives clarity into how prepared and capable they feel to grow within their organization.
Confidence
Well-Being Index
Trustworthy Manager:
Job-Search Confidence:
Current Job Security:
Current Job Satisfaction:
Job Satisfaction Index
Latest Tech:
Experience and Skills:
Career Opportunities:
Career Development:
Confidence Index
77%
72%
61%
52%
66%
71%
95%
73%
84%
81%
83%
94%
69%
83%
82%
75%
71%
67%
55%
67%
77%
80%
42%
84%
71%
73%
2025 U.S. Talent Barometer Score:
83%
93%
61%
79%
79%
70%
69%
76%
61%
69%
70%
76%
42%
82%
68%
72%
2024 U.S. Talent Barometer Score:
In the latest edition of the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, more than 39,000 employers from 41 countries were asked about their Q1 2026 hiring intentions.
ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey
