Although many US recruiting managers are optimistic about their company’s employment outlooks, 85% still anticipate obstacles over the coming year, with 75% stating it keeps them up at night, according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.

Those obstacles include the continuing labor shortage (29%), increases in employee turnover (28%), increased demand from candidates for better benefits in order to accept a job offer (27%) and an inability to fill open positions (27%).

Express’ survey found 42% of recruiting managers said their company currently has open positions. Reasons included lack of applicants with hard skills (39%), relevant experience (38%) and soft skills (36%).

“Market uncertainty, supply chain issues, low labor force participation, an increasing number of retirements, labor costs, inflation and a potential economic downturn make counting sheep to sleep a necessity for business owners right now,” said Reggie Kaji, an Express franchise owner in Michigan. “If we don’t get inflation under control and wages continue to rise, we will eventually see a lot of businesses fold.”

The survey was conducted online on behalf of Express Employment Professionals by The Harris Poll between May 3 and May 23, 2022. It included 1,003 US hiring decision-makers.