In the second quarter of 2025, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) surveyed its investors, which includes businesses of a variety of sizes and industries across the region to better understand workforce challenges, hiring trends, and opportunities for growth. Responses came from a diverse mix of industries including professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations representing both small and large employers.

Businesses shared candid feedback about what is working, where gaps exist, and how GLI can continue to support talent attraction, retention, and workforce readiness across the 15-county Greater Louisville region.

Top Workforce Challenges in Louisville

Employers cited their biggest challenges as:

• Retaining talent (39%)

• Wage competition (37%)

• Finding qualified entry-level employees (35%)

These concerns reflect a tight labor market where companies are competing not only on pay but also on culture, flexibility, and career development opportunities.

Many employers emphasized the need for stronger talent pipelines—from early exposure to career pathways in high schools to better coordination between higher education, training programs, and employers.

Louisville Workforce Snapshot

Hiring Remains Strong but Retention is Tough

Nearly 40% of local employers say keeping talent and staying competitive on wages are their biggest challenges, even as more than 40% plan to grow their teams in the coming year.

Skills and Training Are Top of Mind

Employers continue to prioritize soft skills, project management, and digital literacy, and many are eager to partner with schools or GLI to build stronger internship and training pipelines.

AI and Inclusive Hiring Are Shaping the Future

More than 70% of companies are already using artificial intelligence tools for tasks like marketing, data analysis, and customer service.

Many are also expanding efforts to recruit from broader talent pools including veterans, older workers, and immigrants.

 

What This Means for Greater Louisville Employers

This feedback underscores the importance of continued investment in talent attraction, retention, and upskilling, all key pillars of GLI’s Prosper 2030 strategy.

It also highlights opportunities for GLI and its investors to:

• Expand partnerships with schools and universities to align talent pipelines with employer needs.

• Support professional development and re-skilling opportunities in high-demand fields.

• Strengthen employer connections through initiatives like the JCPS Academies of Louisville, City Champs, Next Gen Lou Intern Summit, and with community partners like KentuckianaWorks and Live in Lou to attract and retain talent.

This feedback shows how important it is to keep investing in our workforce, attracting new talent to the region, and retaining the talent we have. We strengthen talent pipelines through community partnerships, professional development, and initiatives like Live in Lou, City Champs, and the JCPS Academies of Louisville.

We’re Listening

The insights gathered from this survey will help shape GLI’s future workforce initiatives, programming, and advocacy efforts to ensure Greater Louisville remains a top destination for both employers and talent.

If you would like to learn more about how GLI can support your workforce pipeline and talent development, recruitment and retention, send an email to your GLI membership contact or [email protected].