Inflation, trade jitters shake U.S. worker confidence index: MyPerfectResume survey
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — A new survey reveals that American workers are increasingly anxious about their financial futures, with the majority fearing wage loss, trade fallout, and potential layoffs.
The 2025 Career Confidence Index, conducted by MyPerfectResume, surveyed 1,000 U.S. employees on May 12, 2025, and paints a sobering picture of the current job market.
Financial stress is undermining confidence
According to the survey, 80% of respondents are concerned that inflation will reduce their real wages or standard of living, and 38% are “very concerned” about this prospect.
Over a third (35%) say their current salary is already failing to keep up with the cost of living, while 21% report stagnant wages at their company.
“Economic pressure is no longer abstract. It’s impacting day-to-day decisions, budgets, and long-term planning,” the report notes. Many employees are not just frustrated, but also feeling financially strained.
Trade tensions and job security
Global trade disruptions and tariffs are also fueling anxiety. Seventy-one percent of workers believe tariffs will negatively impact their job or industry, and 70% say global trade issues could hurt their future job prospects. More than a quarter (27%) expect major consequences such as job cuts or reduced demand.
Layoff fears are spreading, with 42% of workers expecting layoffs in their company or industry within the next three to six months. Ten percent say layoffs are “very likely,” and 17% have already witnessed downsizing at their workplace.
Additional signs of instability include hiring freezes (15%) and delayed promotions (13%).
Job market stagnation and proactive measures
One in three workers (33%) say it’s harder to find a job in their field than it was six months ago, while only 21% say it’s easier. Nearly half (47%) report no change at all.
In response, 76% of workers have taken precautionary steps to protect their careers, such as updating resumes, creating financial backup plans, or pursuing new skills.
“Economic fear is now a driver of career strategy,” the survey finds, with 35% postponing or reconsidering job changes due to uncertainty.
Eroding trust in employers
Trust in leadership is also low. Only 33% of employees trust their employer to be transparent about layoffs or financial challenges, and 62% say internal communication is limited, delayed, or misleading. This lack of transparency is compounding anxiety and prompting workers to prepare for the worst.
What workers worry about most
Top concerns among employees include:
- Salary not keeping up with inflation (35%)
- Burnout or poor work-life balance (21%)
- Job security (15%)
- Lack of advancement opportunities (14%)
- Company instability or poor leadership (12%)
