"Am I Next?"—Leading Through the Fear of Layoffs

Are You Worried About Layoffs? You're Not Alone.

If you've ever sat at your desk, refreshing your email, waiting for that dreaded “organizational update,” you’re not alone. Layoff fears are gripping workplaces across industries, leaving employees stressed, uncertain, and wondering, "Am I next?"

From tech giants like Google and Amazon to healthcare and finance, job cuts are becoming more common. And while companies may call it "right-sizing" or "strategic restructuring," for employees, it feels like a storm cloud hanging over their careers.

So, how do you deal with it? How do leaders guide their teams through uncertainty? And most importantly, how can you safeguard your own career? Let’s break it down.

Layoffs in 2025: What’s Really Happening?

Layoffs aren’t just a headline; they’re happening everywhere. Tech, healthcare, finance—you name it. Companies are cutting costs, restructuring teams, and trying to stay afloat. But what’s driving these decisions?

Why So Many Layoffs?

1. Economic Uncertainty: Inflation, market shifts, and global instability are making companies nervous.
2. AI & Automation: Let’s face it—technology is replacing jobs at a rapid pace.
3. Company Restructuring: Mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes often mean job cuts.
4. Investor Pressure: Public companies and startups alike are under the gun to show profits, fast.

If you’re seeing more empty desks in your office (or fewer people on Zoom calls), you’re not imagining it. The job market is shifting, and employees are left to navigate an uncertain future.

The Mental Toll of Layoff Anxiety

Layoff fear doesn’t just hit your wallet—it messes with your head. If you’re losing sleep, constantly checking LinkedIn, or feeling detached at work, you’re not alone.

Signs That Layoff Anxiety is Affecting You

• Struggling to focus or stay motivated.
• Feeling disconnected from your job or colleagues.
• Constantly worrying about the future.
• Experiencing burnout and exhaustion.

The truth? Fear of losing your job can be just as stressful as actually losing it. And when anxiety spreads across a workplace, productivity takes a hit. That’s why leaders need to step up.

What Good Leaders Do During Layoffs

If you’re a leader, your team is looking to you for answers. Even if you don’t have all the answers, how you communicate makes all the difference.

How to Lead Through Uncertainty

1. Be Transparent – Even if the news isn’t good, people want honesty.
2. Acknowledge the Fear – Let employees know it’s okay to feel stressed.
3. Support Career Growth – Offer upskilling, training, and job placement help.
4. Stay Visible – Don’t hide behind emails; be present and available.

Employees don’t expect miracles—they just want clarity and respect. The best leaders make sure their people feel valued, even in tough times.

What You Can Do to Stay Ahead

If you’re feeling uncertain about your job, now’s the time to be proactive. No one can predict the future, but you can prepare for it.

Steps to Future-Proof Your Career

• Upskill & Learn – Take online courses, earn certifications, and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Optimize Your LinkedIn – Update your profile, engage with content, and grow your network.
• Expand Your Network – Connect with recruiters, attend industry events, and stay visible.
• Have a Backup Plan – Build an emergency fund, explore freelance opportunities, and keep your resume polished. (I can help with that. Check out our 5 Star Google track record and book a collaboration session at https://CooperSquared.as.me/?appointmentType=71571483 )

The best time to prepare for a job transition is before you need one. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Control

Yes, layoffs are scary. But while you can’t control company decisions, you can control how you respond. Whether you’re leading a team or managing your own career, taking proactive steps can make all the difference.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly—remember your worth.

Resources to Help You Stay Ahead

• Federal Employee Firings Threaten the Future of American Research
• LinkedIn Learning: Top Courses for Career Growth
• Harvard Business Review: How Leaders Can Manage Workplace Anxiety

What’s your experience with layoffs and job uncertainty?

Terlisha Cooper, MSHRM

Empowering Leaders. Elevating Organizations. Driving Results.

Terlisha Cooper is a renowned Career and Leadership Coach with over a decade of experience helping leaders and organizations develop high-performing teams, improve communication, and drive business success through learning and development. Recognized as Houston’s Best in 2022 & 2023, she brings deep expertise in operations, banking, and professional development, delivering practical, results-driven strategies.

Through customized learning and development workshops, leadership training programs, and executive coaching, Terlisha helps organizations:

? Strengthen leadership pipelines

? Enhance employee engagement and retention

? Develop effective managers and decision-makers

? Improve team collaboration and performance

Her flagship 'Dominate Your Path??' program equips leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate change, influence effectively, and achieve organizational goals.

Looking to invest in your leaders? Let’s build a culture of growth, resilience, and success in your organization. Connect today to explore training solutions tailored to your team’s needs.