Layoff anxiety is rising across the US workforce, according to new data from INTOO’s Employee Mindset Report, conducted by The Harris Poll. Since 2019, the share of employees concerned about job loss has grown from 48% to 61%, with nearly 70% of workers now believing that “AI layoffs” are often used as an excuse for cost-cutting. 

According to CPA Practice Advisor, the report points to a broader skepticism around business decision-making. 76% of surveyed employees said they believe most recent layoffs could have been avoided with better management, while nearly half said they trust social media posts by other employees more than formal announcements from leadership. A majority (52%) indicated they would take a pay cut in exchange for job protection. 

“Employees are telling us that uncertainty is their new baseline,” said Mira Greenland, INTOO’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This level of anxiety is a clear call for employers to communicate more transparently, offer predictable career pathways, and be intentional about how automation and workforce decisions are made.”

The uncertainty also collides with a cooling labor market. In November, US job openings fell to 7.15 million from a downwardly revised 7.45 million the prior month according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

INTOO’s report outlines several key recommendations for employers including investment in internal mobility and reselling, greater transparency around workforce strategy, and stronger training for managers to address concerns directly.