Energy shock squeezes real pay and hiring
What’s happening
The Commission's 2026 European Employment and Social Outlook says the energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict will mean about 440,000 fewer jobs created in 2026, with real wages only 1.4% above pre-pandemic levels. Eurofound counted more than 125 national cost-of-living measures in April-June 2026 alone.
What to do
Add financial-wellbeing support such as budgeting, energy-cost help and earned-wage access, and check where pay is falling behind living costs.
How Workbliss can help
Workbliss financial wellbeing programs, from budgeting to debt support, can run across your locations.
Plan support for your teamsSource
employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu. Checked October 19, 2026.