Employee sentiment index rose in April

The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index added two points in April, recovering from a March dip to match the series high of 129.

Real estate showed the biggest improvement, rising 28 points to 124, the sector’s highest level since September. Professional, scientific, and technical services continued an upward climb that began in January, adding 14 points to hit 127, just short of a record high of 129 set in August. Construction rose for the third straight month, adding seven points to 113.

Manufacturing had the largest decrease, falling 10 points to 172, its lowest level since October. Transportation and warehousing, which has been weakening since its high of 167 in December, shed four points to 136, its lowest level in nearly a year.

Education services, which has been trending downward since December, lost eight points to 114. Information had its first substantial decline since October, falling nine points from a record high of 156.

“The impact of larger economic forces don’t hit Main Street instantaneously,” said Dr. Mary Hayes, director of People and Performance at ADP Research. “Despite recent market and policy uncertainty, workers are still motivated and remain committed to their jobs.”

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 panel sample of 2,500 U.S. workers. This month’s survey was fielded April 2 through 7, 2025.

By providing a real-time measure of the state of worker allegiance, the 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 May 20. For EMC Index historical data, visit the ADP Research Data Lab.