Since August 2024, Iowa’s total nonfarm employment has shrunk by 2,300 workers and its unemployment rate has seen a slight increase. And while some sectors are laying off workers, others can’t find enough to fill open positions.

The conflicting characteristics of Iowa’s job market may make navigating it difficult. For help, the Business Record has turned to six experts to be part of an annual discussion about Iowa’s labor outlook. 

The experts, with experience ranging from monitoring the job market to developing programs to help young people gain a foothold in a profession, will be part of a panel discussion during the Business Record’s free, virtual Jobs Outlook event from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 15. 

Ahead of the event, the Business Record asked the panelists to share what one word or short phrase they would use to describe the current job market and explain why.

Here are their responses, which have been lightly edited.

Ben Ayers, senior economist, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

Stagnant. Iowa has seen essentially no job growth over the past two years. Modest gains within the health care, construction and government sectors have offset losses elsewhere, particularly from manufacturing. This stagnation is a stark contrast to the solid gains posted in other states as Iowa has fallen behind in attracting businesses. Lack of labor supply remains a primary root cause with many firms still having trouble filling job openings.

Tessa Brow, assistant director, career services, Iowa State University

Wary. Hiring, especially of interns and entry-level workers, has slowed in many industries as employers wait for the dust to settle from the technological disruption of artificial intelligence and the impact of rapidly evolving policies, like tariffs and immigration. Although layoffs have so far been limited to select industries, the job market is collectively holding its breath, leading to “job hugging,” slower or stalled growth and a harder market for young professionals to break into.

Jamie Carlson, chief human resources officer, the Iowa Clinic

Dynamic. Today’s job market is constantly shifting, marked by national physician and nursing shortages that are felt here in Iowa. Health care organizations, especially in Central Iowa, are competing fiercely for talent; physician-owned groups like the Iowa Clinic must be especially agile to attract and retain top talent. Candidates are seeking more than a paycheck — they want purpose, balance and a strong culture. Success depends on adapting quickly while staying true to our mission and values.

Kathy Joblinske, market principal, Manpower

Sluggish. Iowa’s job market is sluggish. With modest gains in August, the broader trend reflects slow growth or stagnation. At the same time, it’s being reshaped by disruptive forces such as [artificial intelligence] and shifting workforce dynamics, creating both challenges and opportunities. 

Steven Schappaugh, executive director, secondary education, West Des Moines school district

Businesses are eager to engage our students with internship and apprenticeship opportunities. I have fielded numerous calls from new potential partners to [West Des Moines schools] because they are looking at new ways to identify talent to recruit for their businesses. We love these conversations as our students are eager to get work based experiences that are relevant to their post high school lives. 

Georgia Van Gundy, deputy director, Iowa Workforce Development

Evolving. In the news we have all heard of layoffs taking place, which has created uncertainty. At the same time,  there are industries in Iowa with positions they cannot fill and others that are adding positions. While uncertainty exists, it also creates opportunity for employers to build their future workforce pipeline.