Employee sentiment fell slightly in October

The Employee Motivation and Commitment Index fell four points in October to 131 but remained near its record high of 138 set in June. Most sectors remained relatively stable.

Information led the decline, falling 18 points to 124.

“Given the strength of recent job reports, solid readings from the EMC Index could be attributed to worker optimism,” said Dr. Mary Hayes, director of People and Performance Research at ADP Research. “Lower unemployment boosts worker confidence by making it easier for them to find suitable jobs that they enjoy doing.”

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. 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.

Beginning in October 2024, sector indexes are measured as a three-month rolling average.

ADP Research publishes the EMC Index on the third Tuesday of every month. The next release will be Nov. 19. For EMC Index historical data, visit the ADP Research Data Lab.