Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) is a monthly survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It provides detailed information on job openings, hires, separations, and other labor market indicators in the United States.

JOLTS collects data from a sample of employers across various industries and regions. The survey asks employers about the number of job openings they have, the number of new hires, and the number of separations (which include quits, layoffs, and other involuntary terminations). It also gathers information on the reasons for separations and the duration of job vacancies.

The primary purpose of JOLTS is to measure the level of labor market activity and provide insights into the dynamics of the job market. It helps to assess the demand and supply of labor, track trends in job openings and hires, and analyze the turnover and churn in the workforce.

JOLTS data is used to understand the health and functioning of the labor market. It provides valuable information on the availability of job opportunities, the pace of hiring, and the rate at which workers are leaving their jobs. This data is crucial for policymakers, economists, and researchers to evaluate labor market conditions, assess economic trends, and make informed decisions.

JOLTS data is often used in conjunction with other labor market indicators, such as the unemployment rate and employment figures, to get a comprehensive picture of the overall job market. It helps to identify labor market imbalances, skill shortages, and areas of job growth or decline.

The JOLTS report is released monthly and includes data for the previous month. It provides a breakdown of job openings, hires, and separations by industry, region, and occupation. The report also includes measures like the job openings rate, the hires rate, and the separations rate, which help to gauge the intensity of labor market activity.

Overall, JOLTS is a valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing labor market dynamics in the United States. It provides detailed insights into job openings, hires, and separations, helping to inform policymakers, businesses, and researchers about the state of the job market and labor market trends.