August Sets Record for Most Americans Quitting Jobs August broke records for how many Americans quit their jobs, according to a new report from the Department of Labor.

By Entrepreneur Staff

entrepreneur daily

Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

August broke records for how many Americans quit their jobs, according to a new report from the Department of Labor.

In total, 4.3 million workers left their jobs in August, hitting a high in a data series that goes as far back as December 2020. That number is 242,000 higher than it was in the month of July. The quits rate increased to a new high of 2.9%. Employers, meanwhile, laid of 1.3 million workers in August.

The quitters were led by those in the food service and accommodation industries. Of those workers, 892,000 left their jobs, followed by 721,000 retail workers and 534,000 health care and social assistance workers.

Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. Therefore, the quits rate can serve as a measure of workers' willingness or ability to leave jobs," said the report. It is notable that the highest number of people left the food service industry, which has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, as has retail. It is also notable that so many health care workers quit their jobs as Delta variant cases have risen.

The Labor Department's report also indicated that hiring slowed down in August. Open jobs totaled only 10.4 million, falling from July's record high of 11.1 million.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Data & Recovery

Through March 24th: 1TB of Premium Cloud Storage Is Just $130 with This Code

Koofr offers advanced file management features, integration with external cloud management accounts, and reliable security.

Business News

'A Lobstrosity': Social Media Is Losing It Over Martha Stewart's Latest Meal Posting

The 82-year-old caused quite a stir on Instagram this week.

Business News

7 Shocking AI Trends for 2024 That Will Leave You Speechless

Make sure these trends are on your radar.