Central Indiana HR Leaders Share Hiring Insights Amid a Shifting Market
To better understand the current hiring climate in Central Indiana, we surveyed local hiring leaders across the light industrial sector. Their feedback highlights both optimism and ongoing challenges shaping workforce decisions this fall.
Current Hiring Activity Shows Mixed Signals?
Over the past three months, our data reveals a divided market. While 30% of companies reported increased hiring and another 30% maintained steady volumes, 35% experienced declines—with 25% seeing significant decreases. This split suggests that while some sectors remain robust, others are taking a measured approach as they assess market conditions.
How has your company’s hiring volume changed over the past 3 months?
Retention Strategies Focus on Long-Term Stability
When it comes to workforce strategies, HR leaders are focusing less on quick incentives and more on sustainable engagement. The most common tactic was referral programs (35%), followed by temp-to-hire conversion improvements, shift flexibility, and pay increases (each at 25%). Notably, sign-on bonuses have fallen to 0%, signaling a shift from aggressive recruiting tactics to long-term retention approaches.
Which of the following strategies are you currently using to attract or retain workers? (Selected up to 2)
Hiring Outlook: Stability Over Expansion
Perhaps most telling, 65% of hiring leaders expect their needs to remain unchanged over the next three months, while 20% anticipate increases. Only 1% predict a decrease—indicating a stable but cautious hiring environment.
Looking ahead, how do you anticipate your hiring needs will change over the next 3 months?
Top Challenges: Reliability and Qualified Talent
Reflecting the continued relevance of attendance bonuses (20%), 55% of respondents identified attendance and reliability issues as their top challenge. Beyond that, 40% cited a lack of qualified applicants as a major hurdle, while 25% struggle with high turnover. These challenges underscore the importance of temp-to-hire models, which allow companies to evaluate workers before making permanent commitments.
What are your current top challenges in hiring for labor roles? (Selected up to 2)
Economic Outlook: Caution Among Employers
Survey responses show that Central Indiana employers are approaching the months ahead with caution. Nearly half (45%) are somewhat or very concerned about economic impacts on hiring, while 35% remain neutral. Only 16% expressed little to no concern, indicating uncertainty continues to influence workforce planning decisions.
How concerned are you about the current economic climate’s impact on hiring over the next 6 months?
Key Takeaway for HR Managers
For HR managers across Central Indiana, the survey results reinforce a clear message: stability, retention, and reliability continue to define the labor landscape. While hiring growth may be modest, the findings highlight the value of strategic temp-to-hire partnerships as employers focus on building strong, sustainable teams in a market that still demands creativity and consistency.
“What we’re seeing in the survey data mirrors what we experience daily with our clients—reliability matters more than ever,” says Tracy Nice, Owner/CEO, First Call. “The temp-to-hire model has become essential for companies who need to verify attendance and work ethic before making permanent commitments in this cautious market.”
We’d like to thank all the Central Indiana hiring leaders who participated in our survey. Your feedback provides valuable insight into local workforce trends and helps us better understand the evolving hiring climate.
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