legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:

• Patrick Connor: Washington State Director, [email protected]
• Tony Malandra: Senior Media Manager, [email protected]

OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 5, 2026

Today marks a significant update from NFIB Washington State Director Patrick Connor following the publication of the monthly Jobs Report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). This release introduces an important new feature—a Small Business Employment Index. This innovative index effectively merges actual and anticipated changes in both employment levels and employee compensation into a singular, comprehensive metric.

Current Employment Landscape

In January, it was reported that 31% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners indicated they had job vacancies they were unable to fill. This represents a decrease of 2 points from the previous month, December. Despite this slight decline, the number of unfilled positions continues to be significantly higher than the historical average, which stands at 24%. Breaking the statistics down further, 25% of these job openings are for skilled labor (a decrease of 3 points), while 10% are for unskilled labor, revealing a persistent challenge in workforce preparedness and availability.

Connor explains the implications: “We anticipate that the trend of unfilled job openings is likely to persist above the historical average, especially considering the current proposals from the Washington State Legislature. With plans in motion to increase workers’ compensation premiums and healthcare costs, as well as impose a capital gains tax on small business stock and introduce a ‘Millionaire Tax’ that targets business earnings rather than the owner’s salary, the environment for small businesses in Washington is on track to become one of the most challenging in the entire nation.” For a more detailed understanding, explore Connor’s latest legislative report here.

Insights from NFIB’s Jobs Report

The NFIB Jobs Report provides valuable insights obtained from a national survey of NFIB-member small-business owners, encompassing a broad perspective rather than being limited to state-specific data. The figures for January stemmed from responses received from 959 randomly selected NFIB member firms, surveyed up to January 30, 2026.

Commentary by Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg

Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist, provides a broader perspective on the employment landscape: “Main Street is actively engaged in the quest for qualified workers to fill their open positions. Owners are reporting an increase in wages over the last three months, and they plan to continue this trend in the upcoming quarter as well.”

Key Highlights from the Latest NFIB Jobs Report

• The Employment Index experienced a minor drop of nearly 1 point in January, settling at 101.6, which effectively negates about half of the substantial gain from December, when it peaked at the highest level since March 2025. Even with this decline, the index remains above the historical average of 100 and only slightly surpasses the 2025 average of 101.2.

• According to the report, 16% of small business owners identified labor quality as their most pressing concern, a decrease of 3 points from December. This is notable as it marks the third consecutive month in which the reported issue of labor quality has declined as the single most important problem for small businesses.

• It is worth noting that labor quality challenges are most pronounced in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and professional services, while issues are comparatively less severe in industries like wholesale and finance.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

Navigating the complex landscape of employment regulations and tax implications can be daunting for small business owners in Washington. This is where AI legalese decoder can serve a crucial role. By simplifying complex legal documents and regulatory language into understandable terms, the AI legalese decoder provides business owners with clarity on how legislative changes may impact their operations. This tool saves time and ensures that small business owners are well-informed about their legal responsibilities, enabling them to make better decisions regarding workforce management and compliance.

Stay Updated

For ongoing updates on small business news in Washington State, visit www.nfib.com or connect with us on social media:

• Twitter: @NFIB_WA
• Facebook: @NFIB.WA

About NFIB

For over 80 years, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has tirelessly advocated on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, operating in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven association, NFIB has remained exclusively devoted to the concerns of small and independent businesses since its inception in 1943. To learn more about our initiatives and how we can support your business, visit nfib.com.

NFIB Washington
111 – 21st Avenue Southwest
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-786-8675
Website: NFIB.com
Twitter: @NFIB_WA
Facebook: @NFIB.WA

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link