Labor Force Survey 2026

Labor Force Survey 2026

ORANJESTAD – From October 31, 2026, through November 28, 2026, the Department of Labor and Research (DAO), in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the Central Bank of Aruba (CBA), will conduct the 2026 Labor Force Survey (LFS2026).

The purpose of LFS2026 is to obtain a detailed and up-to-date picture of the Aruban labor market. Information will also be collected on the characteristics of individuals who are both active and non-active in the labor market. This will allow for an in-depth analysis of the composition of Aruba's labor force and the compilation of key indicators, such as employment and unemployment rates in Aruba, male and female participation rates, and the education levels of both employed and non-employed individuals. The results of the survey will also help, for example, to understand which factors are associated with unemployment or labor force participation, and in which sectors there is a shortage or surplus of workers.

Visiting 4,000 Households

A team of 25 interviewers will approach a total of 4,000 households selected from the CBS address database across all of Aruba. The interviewers will visit households individually over a four-week period, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

When approaching a household, interviewers must always identify themselves with a badge. This badge displays their name, the logos of DAO, CBS, and CBA, and the LFS2026 logo. All interviewers will also wear a shirt with the LFS2026 logo. If an interviewer is not wearing the shirt, they must still be able to identify themselves using the badge. If an interviewer cannot show a badge, they are not permitted to conduct the interview.

The LFS2026 Questionnaire

At the beginning of the questionnaire, a few basic questions will be asked of every member of the household. This will be followed by specific questions regarding the labor force, which will only be asked of individuals aged 15 and older. According to the guidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO), all individuals aged 15 and older are considered part of a country's potential labor force.

It is of vital importance that all individuals aged 15 and older participate in the survey, regardless of whether they are employed, unemployed, or not active in the labor market (for instance, due to studying or retirement). This ensures a complete and reliable picture of the entire Aruban labor force.

The questionnaire will be completed digitally via a tablet and includes topics such as education, position, industry, and working hours. A new theme in the LFS2026 questionnaire is the balance between work and personal/family time.

Privacy and the Importance of Participation

All data will be processed strictly anonymously and published solely in aggregated form. The collected information will help policymakers design and implement labor policies more effectively based on current data from Aruba. Additionally, the data will serve to inform the private sector, education, research fields, and the general public about the latest developments in the Aruban labor market.

The privacy of every participating household and individual is fully guaranteed by the research team (DAO, CBS, and CBA). Because the study aims to provide the most complete overview possible, the participation of every approached household is essential!

The research team thanks all households and individuals in advance for their cooperation with LFS2026.

For more information about the 2026 Labor Force Survey, you can contact the DAO/CBS team Monday through Friday during business hours (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) at 523-7720 / 524-7433, or by email at arbeidsmarkt@aruba.gov.aw, directiearbeid@aruba.gov.aw, or secretariaat@cbs.aw.