Half of Workers Fear Trump’s Policies Will Lead to Layoffs at Their Company

In February 2025, ResumeTemplates surveyed 1,183 U.S. workers to understand how Trump’s presidency is impacting their workplaces and overall job concerns. The survey reveals Trump’s policies have sparked widespread unease, with many people citing workplace tensions, declining productivity, and fears of layoffs. Additionally, about one in 10 workers who voted for Trump now regret their decision.

Study highlights:

• 1 in 4 workers feel the Trump presidency is reducing their productivity
• Half of workers are worried Trump’s policies will lead to layoffs at their company
• Several employees feel Trump has had negative impacts on their workplace, including creating increased tension and a less inclusive environment
• Workers are worried about Trump’s impact on social security, health care, cost of living, and employee rights and workplace protections
• 1 in 10 Trump voters regret voting for him

Half of Workers Fear Trump’s Policies Will Lead To Layoffs

When asked how concerned they are that Trump’s policies will lead to layoffs at their company, 19% say they are very concerned, and 29% are somewhat concerned. Meanwhile, 23% say they are not very concerned, and 30% are not concerned at all.

Regarding which specific Trump policies or actions raise concerns about layoffs, 59% point to tariffs and trade policies, 55% cite cuts to government contracts, 42% say deregulation of industries, and 39% say changes in immigration policies.

Layoff concerns vary across industries. Workers in accounting (62%), education (62%), and information technology (61%) report the highest levels of concern. Health care and social assistance (56%), retail (47%), insurance (43%), government (43%), construction (41%), and marketing (39%) workers also have concerns. Employees in food and consumer products are the least concerned, with 25% expressing worry about layoffs. Only industries with at least 25 respondents were included in this list.

1 in 4 Workers Say Trump Presidency Is Hurting Their Productivity, Younger and LGBTQIA+ Workers Are More Affected

When asked how Trump’s presidency impacts their productivity at work, 25% say it’s significantly (9%) or somewhat reducing (16%) their productivity. The majority, 57%, say it’s not impacting their productivity, and about 18% claim it’s improved their productivity.

For those experiencing a negative impact on their productivity, the most common reason is stress and anxiety about Trump’s policies (75%). Additionally, 54% say low morale within their company is a factor, and 52% point to worries about potential layoffs or job instability. Further, 48% say they are spending more time reading or watching the news, 42% say workplace tensions are contributing to the decline, and 25% say debates with co-workers are hurting their productivity.

LGBTQIA+ workers (54%), Generation Z (Gen Z) workers (35%), and millennials (28%) are the most likely to report decreased productivity due to Trump’s presidency.

“Productivity will go down when employees are worried and stressed,” says Julia Toothacre, chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates. “Whether that stress is external or internal to the business doesn’t matter. While some people can push through those feelings, others may struggle, especially if their livelihood is at risk.”

“Leaders need to communicate, as much as possible, how certain policies may impact the business. If your company isn’t planning mass layoffs, communicate that. Transparency and honesty are the best strategies for leaders right now. People need to know their jobs are safe.”

3 in 10 Feel Their Workplace Tension Has Increased

Under Trump’s presidency, employees report impacts on workplace inclusivity. A total of 5 % say their workplace is much less inclusive, and 9% claim it’s somewhat less inclusive now that Trump is in office. In contrast, 7% say their workplace is much more inclusive, and 9% say it’s somewhat more inclusive. The majority (70%) say there has been no change.

Some workers are noticing other changes in their workplace, including increased workplace tension around political or social issues, cited by 28% of respondents. Additionally, 23% believe equal employment protections are being weakened, and 22% say there has been a reduction or elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Further, 17% have noticed or experienced LGBTQIA+ workers feeling less safe or supported, and 15% say the same about women in their workplace. Also, 7% report increased instances of sexual harassment.

6 in 10 workers are worried about social security, health care, and employee rights under Trump

Concerns about financial security and workplace protections are prominent under Trump’s presidency. Rising living costs are the top issue, with 48% saying they are very concerned and 25% somewhat concerned. Additionally, 67% are worried about Social Security and retirement benefits, 65% about taxes, and 61% about employee rights and workplace protection. DEI is also a concern, with 52% nervous about this area.

Methodology: ResumeTemplates commissioned this survey via Pollfish in February 2025. The survey included 1,183 U.S. full-time workers. The survey was balanced to reflect the U.S. workforce population by age, gender, and region.