sad piggy bank being squeezed in a vice on white

53% of U.S. workers do not feel that their paychecks are keeping up with inflation, according to the latest ASA Workforce Monitor® study from the American Staffing Association (ASA) and The Harris Poll.

In addition, 38% of U.S. adults report that their financial situation is more stressful now than it was a year ago.

“The data may project a soft landing for the economy, but the bank accounts of America’s workers are telling a different story,” said Richard Wahlquist, CEO at the ASA. Noting that food prices are up and savings rates are down, Wahlquist continues: “U.S. workers are understandably stressed about the adequacy of their paychecks and their ability to save for their future. Unless things begin to turn around quickly, workers’ negative attitudes about their finances and the economy will likely be a top issue when voters go to the polls in November.”