Editor’s Notice: This story initially appeared on Monster.
Layoffs are being mentioned in every single place from headlines and LinkedIn feeds to group chats. But when it comes time to replace a resume, many employees nonetheless really feel they should preserve quiet.
In accordance with Monster’s Layoff Stigma Examine, primarily based on responses from greater than 1,000 employed U.S. employees, one in three employees (33%) say they might cover a layoff on their resume in the event that they have been laid off tomorrow.
Even in an period of widespread company downsizing, job seekers stay conflicted about how a lot transparency is an excessive amount of.
The findings reveal a contemporary paradox: Layoffs are more and more widespread and publicly mentioned, but many employees nonetheless concern how a layoff may be perceived by recruiters and hiring managers.
Key Findings
- 33% of employees say they might cover a layoff on their resume
- 54% would really feel embarrassed discussing a layoff socially
- 69% say stigma round layoffs has not improved
- 67% would preserve a layoff off LinkedIn
One in Three Employees Would Disguise a Layoff
Whilst layoffs change into extra widespread, many employees really feel strain to hide them in the course of the job search course of.
- 33% of employees say that in the event that they have been laid off tomorrow, they might cover it on their resume
- 67% would add the layoff transparently on their resume
The Social Stigma Isn’t Gone
Layoffs could also be widespread, however they’re nonetheless uncomfortable to speak about. When requested how they really feel discussing a layoff socially:
- 46% say they aren’t embarrassed in any respect
- 40% say they’re a bit embarrassed
- 14% say they’re very or extraordinarily embarrassed
Which means greater than half of employees expertise some degree of embarrassment when speaking about being laid off, even throughout a yr marked by mass company cuts.
Layoff Stigma Isn’t Enhancing
Employees are divided on whether or not perceptions round layoffs are bettering:
- 24% say layoff stigma is worse than in earlier years
- 45% say it’s about the identical
- 31% consider it’s getting higher
Regardless of the frequency of layoffs throughout industries, many employees really feel that the narrative hasn’t shifted sufficient and for some, it’s truly deteriorating.
Most Employees Want Privateness On-line
Public layoff bulletins have change into extra seen on LinkedIn, notably within the tech sector. However for many employees, discretion nonetheless wins.
- 67% say they might preserve a layoff personal on LinkedIn
- 33% say they might announce it brazenly
Whereas viral layoff posts can generate assist and networking alternatives, the vast majority of employees nonetheless fear about visibility, judgment, or long-term skilled penalties.
What Employees Take into account Truthful Severance
The examine additionally sheds gentle on how employees take into consideration monetary safety throughout layoffs:
- 35% consider severance must be primarily based on tenure
- 9% consider severance ought to exceed 6 months
- 25% say 3–6 months of pay is truthful
- 21% anticipate 1–2 months
- 10% say 2–4 weeks
Employees overwhelmingly favor longer severance packages, with 90% anticipating at the least one month of pay or severance tied to tenure.
What This Means for Job Seekers
The takeaway is evident: layoffs could also be widespread, however the stigma hasn’t disappeared. Many employees nonetheless really feel the necessity to handle notion fastidiously, particularly on resumes and social platforms.
That’s why readability, context, and confidence matter greater than ever. Job seekers who’re clear and concentrate on accomplishments slightly than circumstances are higher positioned to manage their story.
To assist employees navigate resume updates after a layoff, Monster affords a free resume builder and free customizable templates, designed to assist job seekers current their profession historical past with readability and confidence.
As a result of a layoff could also be a part of your story nevertheless it doesn’t outline your worth.
Methodology
This survey was carried out by Pollfish on January 7, 2026, amongst 1,002 presently employed U.S. employees. Respondents answered a collection of multiple-choice questions analyzing perceptions of layoffs, resume disclosure, office stigma, social sharing, and severance expectations.
The pattern included illustration throughout generations, with 17% Gen Z (born 1997 or later), 27% Millennials (born 1981–1996), 27% Gen X (born 1965–1980), and 29% Child Boomers (born 1946–1964). Respondents recognized their gender as 46% male, 54% feminine.
