More Workers Experiencing Layoff Anxiety in Recent Years, 2026 Study Claims

Layoff anxiety has reportedly surged in recent years with one organization seeing a 30% increase since it last measured the “employee mindset” in 2019.

INTOO’s findings come as many major employers, including Oracle and Meta, significantly reduce their staffing levels in 2026.

“Employees are telling us [at INTOO] that uncertainty is their new baseline,” CRO Mira Greenland said in a news release.

“This level of anxiety is a clear call for employers to communicate more transparently, offer predictable career pathways, and be intentional about how automation and workforce decisions are made.”

The study found 52% of respondents would take a pay cut if it protected their job from layoffs over the next 2 years.

SEE ALSO
• TMU Study Reveals Music “Sweet Spot” Capable of Easing Anxiety
• Cannabis Use by Ontario Teens Linked to Depression, Anxiety: McMaster Study
• 10-Year Study Explores Link Between Breastfeeding and Lower Anxiety, Depression
• Sun Life Denies Life Insurance Over Anxiety Disorder

Disability Benefits for Anxiety in Canada

Anxiety can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work due to this debilitating condition, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving anxiety — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

SEE ALSO
• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
• Pocket Disability Lawyer: Real-Time Insights on Your Rights
• Canada Post Worker Denied LTD During Cancer Battle

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.