As layoffs continue across industries in 2025, a new report by Zety® reveals a troubling trend: 57% of workers are informed of job losses through email or phone, rather than face-to-face meetings.
The 2025 Layoff Experience Report, based on a survey of over 1,000 recently laid-off workers, paints a stark picture. Seventy percent of respondents were laid off within the past six months, including 19% who lost their jobs in the last month alone. Only 30% were informed in person, while 29% received the news via email, 28% by phone, 5% via video calls, and 6% heard through internal rumors.
Career expert Jasmine Escalera commented, “When layoffs happen through an email or quick phone call, it sends the message that employees aren’t worth the time. That may not be the intent, but the impact is lasting—on morale, trust, and reputation.”
Cost-cutting was the most cited reason for layoffs (54%), followed by restructuring (45%) and poor financial performance (44%). Other factors included mergers (39%), automation and tech changes (32%), and shifting priorities (16%). Only 5% of respondents believed their performance was the primary reason.
While 36% of workers expected to be laid off and 43% suspected it, 21% were completely blindsided. Severance experiences varied: 74% said they received generous packages, while 22% called theirs inadequate and 4% received nothing.
When asked what could have improved the experience, 65% wanted better severance, 64% more career support, 49% clearer communication, and 35% more notice. Despite the challenges, 90% said they would consider returning to their previous employer—suggesting that how layoffs are handled matters.
As Escalera notes, “Layoff communication shapes future relationships. A lack of humanity in a moment of vulnerability can have long-term consequences.”
https://www.peoplematters.in/news/talent-management/57-of-employees-receive-layoff-notices-via-email-or-phone-report-45758