If workplaces feel more strained lately, they likely are. A new Glassdoor report shows that job insecurity, leadership missteps, and subtle return-to-office pressure are pushing employee stress higher — and those issues are expected to get worse heading into 2026.
Rolling Mini-Layoffs Are Now the Norm
Many companies are leaning on frequent, small headcount cuts instead of big layoffs. Cuts involving fewer than 50 employees now account for 51% of reductions, up from 38% in 2015.
Because these small layoffs don’t require WARN Act notices, the real volume is likely higher. They also create long-term morale problems: workloads grow, anxiety rises, and people quietly wonder if they’re next.
Trust in Leadership Has Dropped Fast
Worker confidence in managers surged during the pandemic but has been declining for years. In 2025, reviews saw big jumps in complaints about:
- Leader disconnect: +24%
- Miscommunication: +25%
- Distrust: +26%
- Executives misaligned with their roles: +149%
The steepest declines appear in technology, consulting, media, and communication, where RTO shifts and fast AI adoption have been most disruptive.
“Slow-Motion RTO” Is Quietly Changing Behavior
Even though RTO policies tightened in 2025, the actual mix of remote, hybrid, and in-office days didn’t change much. But the perception changed dramatically.
Remote and hybrid workers increasingly worry they’re hurting their careers by staying home. Their career-opportunity ratings fell from 4.1 in 2020 to 3.5 today.
Instead of one big wave of RTO, analysts expect a gradual shift as employees return voluntarily to stay competitive.
Job Seekers Have Lost Leverage
Open roles are fewer, economic uncertainty is rising, and workers are holding onto the jobs they have. When offers do come, candidates rarely negotiate.
Offer-rejection rates have dropped 12% since 2023, hitting their lowest point since 2020 in late 2025. This means more people are accepting jobs that don’t fit, which can slow career growth and deepen disengagement.
A Few Areas of Good News
Two positive signs stand out:
- Workers are adjusting to AI without significant fear or difficulty.
- New graduates who manage to land roles in 2026 are expected to see the strongest wage growth since 2020, a rare advantage in a tight job market.
