Labor Force Decline: Why Workers Are Leaving

A massive labor force decline hit the US market in June 2026, as more than 700,000 people left the workforce. This sudden shift has driven labor force participation to its lowest level since 2021. Outside the pandemic period, this is a level not seen in nearly fifty years. Even more concerning, the largest decline occurred among prime-age workers, the very people who should be in the heart of their working careers.

In this episode, Steve examines why so many Americans are leaving the workforce, explores the economic and workplace factors driving this trend, and discusses what policymakers and employers can do to expand access to work and strengthen the labor market for the future.