Signal file: This week highlights tensions shaping today’s workforce
From rising layoffs to uneven hybrid experiences and shifting flexibility demands, this week’s signals reveal a workforce navigating instability, new expectations and accelerating change
The pressures shaping the workforce are becoming harder to ignore. Layoffs are climbing, hybrid work is revealing uneven experiences, and employees are pushing for new forms of day-to-day flexibility. At the same time, governments are intervening to support younger workers as economic uncertainty reshapes early careers. This week’s signals highlight a labour market in transition, one defined by volatility, shifting expectations and a growing need for more adaptive workforce strategies.
Layoffs surge to highest levels since 2020
US companies have announced 1.17 million layoffs so far this year, the most since the pandemic, according to new data. November alone saw 71,321 job cuts, driven largely by restructuring, economic conditions and accelerating adoption of AI. Tech firms accounted for more than 12,000 of the reductions, and AI has been cited in over 54,000 layoffs this year. While jobless claims remain low, planned hiring is down 35% from last year, flagging generally cooling labour market beneath headline stability.
In action: Prepare for a more volatile hiring environment by investing in workforce planning, internal mobility and targeted reskilling as restructuring and automation accelerate.
Hybrid work reveals new gender gaps in experience
Leesman data shows men and women report similar office experiences, but differences widen at home. Women rate their home working experience higher (H-Lmi 81.0 vs 77.6) and feel more connected to colleagues, despite men being slightly more likely to have dedicated work rooms. Hybrid models may be amplifying disparities in how each gender accesses support and connection.
In action: Review both office and home experience data to ensure hybrid models support all employees equally.
UK employees want to break their days down
A new survey shows that two-thirds of workers are interested in ‘microshifting’ – breaking the workday into short, flexible blocks that fit personal routines, energy patterns and caregiving demands. Driven largely by Gen Z and millennials, the tendency reflects rising expectations for autonomy and output-based working. Early adopters report higher productivity and wellbeing, yet experts warn that without clear boundaries, microshifting can easily drift into an ‘always on’ culture.
In action: Treat microshifting as structured flexibility by setting explicit availability rules, core hours and communication norms to support autonomy without sacrificing work–life separation.
UK government launches major youth employment guarantee
The UK government has announced an £820 million package to support nearly one million young people into employment or training. The plan includes 350,000 new workplace and training opportunities, expanded Youth Hubs nationwide and a Jobs Guarantee offering paid six-month placements for long-term unemployed 18–21-year-olds.
In action: Use new government schemes to widen access, offering structured experience and progression for young people entering the workforce.
