MyPerfectResume has unveiled key findings from its The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market Report, revealing a notable surge in job loss anxiety and burnout among U.S. workers. The December 2024 survey, which sampled 1,115 workers, highlights growing concerns regarding layoffs, unemployment, and economic instability. The report outlines a rising trend of workers’ reluctance to change jobs in response to the unpredictable labor market, coining this phenomenon as “The Great Stay.”
- Job Loss Anxiety:
- 81% of workers express concerns about losing their job in 2025.
- 20% are “much more worried” about job loss compared to 2024.
- Only 4% report no worries about job loss in 2025.
- Increased Layoffs and Business Closures:
- 76% expect layoffs to rise in 2025.
- 63% foresee more business closures this year than in 2024.
- 53% anticipate an increase in unemployment rates.
- Burnout Worsening:
- 52% of workers expect burnout to worsen in 2025, with 43% attributing it to job insecurity.
- Other contributing factors include increased workloads (29%) and poor work-life balance (23%).
- Recession and Labor Market Concerns:
- 92% of respondents are worried about a potential recession in 2025.
- 57% believe finding a new job will be as difficult, if not more difficult, than in 2024.
- The Role of the Gig Economy:
- 85% believe businesses will rely more on freelance and contract workers.
- 68% predict continued expansion of the gig economy.
- Upskilling as a Strategy:
- 61% of workers plan to upskill in 2025, with 31% considering it.
- Return to Office Mandates:
- 88% of workers expect more companies to require a return to the office in 2025.
- Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume:
“In an uncertain labor market, resilience and innovation will be key. Building a strong professional network, staying informed about industry trends, and exploring new career pathways can provide the stability and confidence needed to thrive in these times.”
The findings from The Great Stay report underscore a workforce increasingly anxious about job security, with burnout, job changes, and upskilling becoming key focal points for many workers. As 2025 approaches, workers are navigating economic instability with heightened caution, while companies and individuals alike will need to adapt to new trends such as the gig economy and the return to office mandates.
