87% of Employers Say They’re Defending Jobs. So, Why Are Staff Nonetheless Nervous?
Profession Climbers / sixteenth September 2025
As financial uncertainty continues to form the labor market, a brand new Categorical Employment Professionals–Harris Ballot survey reveals a hanging distinction between employer confidence and worker concern about job safety.
Whereas 84% of firms are assured of their means to supply each short- and long-term job safety, 46% imagine their workers are extra involved about job safety now than they have been a yr in the past.
Transparency and Communication Matter
The survey exhibits 46% of hiring managers say their firm takes an “all arms on deck” method to speaking job safety and organizational stability, that means management persistently and transparently shares info with workers. This method is extra widespread amongst white-collar leaders (49%) than blue-collar leaders (36%).
Conversely, 54% of blue-collar hiring managers favor a “selective sharing” method, the place info is shared solely as wanted, in comparison with 34% of white-collar leaders.
From the worker perspective, 88% of job seekers say they might really feel safer working for an organization that clearly communicates its future. Nevertheless, solely 33% report their firm makes use of an “all arms on deck” method, whereas 49% say their firm makes use of “selective sharing,” and 18% report an “at arm’s-length” method, the place management hardly ever shares info.
Insurance policies That Help Job Safety
Employers are backing their confidence with motion. Eighty-seven % of hiring managers report their firm makes use of particular insurance policies or practices to assist job safety, together with:
- Upskilling/reskilling alternatives (37%)
- Lowering bills in different areas to keep away from layoffs (35%)
- Creating emergency funds/reserve budgets (28%)
- Using versatile staffing fashions (27%)
- Utilizing information evaluation to forecast staffing wants (26%)
- Overlaying the price of worker training (25%)
These practices align with what job seekers say would make them really feel extra assured about long-term job safety:
- Coaching for extra roles/duties (41%)
- Clearer communication from senior management (41%)
- Entry to cross-training or upskilling packages (38%)
Exterior Pressures and Stress
Whereas firms are taking steps to guard jobs, exterior components proceed to weigh closely on employees. Seventy-two % of hiring managers say adjustments to authorities insurance policies (e.g., tariffs, taxes, rules) have an even bigger long-term influence on job safety than inside firm choices.
Current research reinforce the emotional toll of job insecurity:
“In a labor market formed by uncertainty, job safety is now not nearly stability. It’s about adaptability,” stated Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Categorical Employment Worldwide. “Organizations that spend money on clear communication and steady ability growth aren’t simply retaining expertise, they’re constructing a workforce geared up to navigate change and drive long-term progress.”
