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As economic uncertainty looms, U.S. workers are bracing for a challenging year ahead. MyPerfectResume’s latest report, The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market, uncovers rising fears about job security, burnout, and economic instability, shaping a workforce hesitant to make career moves in an unpredictable market.
According to the December 2024 survey of 1,115 U.S. workers, 81% are worried about losing their jobs in 2025, while 76% believe layoffs will increase this year. These findings underscore workers’ hesitation to change jobs—a trend referred to as "The Great Stay."
Survey highlights:
- 81% of workers fear job loss in 2025.
- 76% anticipate an increase in layoffs.
- 63% expect more businesses to close this year compared to 2024.
- 92% of respondents are concerned about a recession in 2025.
- 52% expect burnout rates to worsen this year.
- 61% of workers have plans to upskill in 2025.
Job Loss Anxiety Climbs
Workers across industries are increasingly worried about job security in 2025. The survey reveals just how widespread these concerns have become.
- 81% of workers worry about losing their jobs in 2025.
- 20% feel "much more worried" about job loss than last year.
- Only 4% report no concerns about job loss this year or in 2024.
What this means: Anxiety about job security is at an all-time high, pushing workers to reassess their career strategies and financial plans for the year ahead.
Layoffs Loom Large
Concerns about layoffs and business closures dominate workforce sentiment heading into 2025. Here are the key findings:
- 76% predict layoffs will rise in 2025.
- 63% expect more businesses to close this year compared to 2024.
- 53% foresee a higher unemployment rate.
What this means: Workers are bracing for a tougher labor market, with fears of rising unemployment and economic instability influencing their decisions to stay put in their current roles.
Burnout Persists
Burnout remains a significant employee issue, driven by job insecurity and increased workloads. The data highlights these challenges:
- 52% of workers anticipate burnout rates will worsen in 2025.
- 43% cite job insecurity as the top driver of burnout.
- Increased workloads (29%), lack of work-life balance (23%), poor management or workplace culture (3%) and others (2%) are the significant contributing factors.
What this means: Burnout is becoming a critical issue as workers struggle to balance mounting responsibilities and career uncertainty.
Recession Fears Among Workers
The potential for a recession in 2025 is weighing heavily on workers' minds. Here’s what they expect:
- 92% of respondents are concerned about a recession in 2025.
- 33% believe the overall labor market will worsen, while 12% think it will remain unchanged.
- 57% expect finding a new job in 2025 will be as difficult or harder than in 2024.
What this means: Workers are preparing for a potential economic downturn, with many expecting heightened challenges in job hunting and career advancement.
The Role of the Gig Economy
As businesses adapt to evolving economic conditions, future workforce trends predict that reliance on freelance and contract workers will grow. The survey shows:
- 85% believe businesses will increasingly rely on freelance and contract workers over full-time employees.
- 68% predict the gig economy will continue to expand in 2025.
What this means: The rise of the gig economy reflects shifting dynamics in the labor market, offering workers new avenues for income but raising questions about long-term stability.
Upskilling as a Survival Strategy
Skill development is becoming a top priority for workers aiming to remain competitive. The data underscores this proactive approach:
- 61% of workers have concrete plans to upskill this year, while 31% are considering it.
- Nearly half (49%) of workers switched jobs or industries in 2023 and 2024 to pursue better opportunities.
What this means: Upskilling is essential for workers who want to stay resilient in a rapidly evolving job market.
Return-to-Office Mandates Grow
Many workers anticipate a shift away from hybrid work models as more companies emphasize in-office work. The survey found:
- 88% of workers predict more companies will require employees to return to the office in 2025.
What this means: The shift toward in-office mandates could signal a changing perspective on the viability of hybrid work models, impacting employees' work-life balance.
The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market Report provides a comprehensive view of the workforce's trends, challenges and opportunities this year. The report shows the need for resilience and innovation in navigating uncertain times, from rising fears of job loss to the growing importance of upskilling.
For press inquiries, contact Elizabeth Buccianti at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.
Survey Methodology
The findings were based on a survey of 1,115 U.S. workers conducted on December 22, 2024. Respondents were asked a range of questions about job security, economic concerns, and workplace dynamics, including yes/no, open-ended, scale-based, and multiple-choice questions.
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4 Out of 5 Workers Fear Job Loss in 2025: The Great Stay Explained
Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a seasoned Career Expert with 15+ years of experience, dedicated to supporting professionals in finding the right roles, fostering inclusive workplaces, and advocating for equitable pay.
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