# JOLTS Report
Who / What
The **Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)** is a monthly economic report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that tracks employment trends, including job openings, hires, layoffs, quits, and other labor turnover within the American economy.
Background & History
The JOLTS report was established as part of broader efforts by the BLS to enhance economic data collection in the late 20th century. It was formally introduced in **2001** under the administration of President Bill Clinton’s economic policies, designed to provide real-time insights into labor market dynamics beyond traditional unemployment statistics. Initially developed alongside other surveys like the Current Employment Statistics (CES), it became a critical tool for policymakers, economists, and businesses to assess labor demand and supply.
Why Notable
The JOLTS report is highly notable due to its granular breakdown of employment transitions—such as voluntary quits versus involuntary layoffs—which offers deeper insights than standard unemployment data. It plays a pivotal role in shaping economic policies, guiding corporate hiring strategies, and influencing monetary decisions by central banks like the Federal Reserve. Its monthly releases are closely watched for signals on economic health, inflation trends, and labor market resilience.
In the News
As of recent years, the JOLTS report has gained prominence amid ongoing debates about labor shortages, wage growth, and post-pandemic recovery. Recent data highlights persistently high job openings alongside elevated quits rates, sparking discussions about workforce dynamics, automation impacts, and potential shifts in economic policy priorities.
