A survey from ResumeTemplates.com has revealed widespread expectations of layoffs this year. The survey of 1,000 US managers found that 45 per cent of companies anticipate layoffs in 2025, with many citing economic concerns, AI automation, and the incoming Trump administration’s policies as influencing factors.
Among companies, 11 per cent say workforce reductions are definite, while 34 per cent report they are likely. Most companies anticipate relatively modest layoffs, with 28 per cent planning to cut fewer than 5 per cent of employees and 44 per cent expecting reductions of 5 per cent to 10 per cent. Larger layoffs remain less common, with only 8 per cent projecting cuts of more than a quarter of their workforce.
In addition to layoffs, 31 per cent of companies currently have a hiring freeze in place, and another 13 per cent plan to implement one this year. Companies are also taking other cost-cutting measures, with 32 per cent reducing or cutting bonuses, 25 per cent downsizing office space, and 17 per cent cutting employee benefits. Additionally, 12 per cent plan to reduce salaries, with 35 per cent of those applying cuts across all employees and 30 per cent targeting low-performing employees.
“Layoffs can be unpredictable, and many employees may not know if their position is at risk,” says ResumeTemplates’ Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. “Workers should take proactive steps, such as discussing job security with their manager, highlighting their accomplishments, and updating their resume and LinkedIn profile in case they need to search for a new role quickly.”
The survey also found that AI adoption is playing a significant role in workforce decisions, with 32 per cent of companies citing automation as a reason for expected layoffs. Additionally, 24 per cent of companies acknowledge that Trump’s policies could impact their layoff plans, reflecting uncertainty surrounding economic and regulatory changes under the new administration.
