Employee sentiment rose in September

The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index rose 23 points to 135 in September, just 3 points shy of a record high set in June. It was the largest month-over-month increase in data going back to December 2021. September also marked another month of volatility, closing out a summer that has seen a series of near-record ups and downs.

Information posted its largest month-over-month increase, rising 81 points to 165, but failed to rebound fully from a record 94-point drop in August. Transportation and warehousing rose 80 points to 179, just shy of a record 180 set in November 2023. Manufacturing also showed a considerable increase, rising 55 points to 188.

No sector in the index fell in September.

“Summer of 2024 might just be the summer of volatility in the feelings of workers. We saw large gains and losses across many sectors. While we cannot pinpoint the exact cause for the shifts, we do know that those employees who are highly motivated and committed have greater confidence in the future of their company and are less likely to feel like they are living paycheck to paycheck.” said Dr. Mary Hayes, director of People and Performance Research at ADP Research.

The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index tracks how people think and feel about their jobs and employers. ADP Research collects data each month using a panel survey to gather a stratified, random sample of 2,500 U.S. workers. By providing a real-time measure of the state of worker allegiance, this index can tell us whether people are flourishing in their jobs or detaching.

ADP Research publishes the EMC Index on the third Tuesday of every month. The next release will be Oct. 15. For EMC Index historical data, visit the ADP Research Data Lab.