A global surge in layoffs during 2025 has heightened job insecurity and driven many workers to overwork to remain employed. A CNBC analysis cites an unprecedented level of disruption, with nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first five months of the year, marking an 80% rise from the same period in 2024. About 46% of workers report worry about their future, underscoring a broader mental health challenge alongside economic strain.
Thai readers can relate to these dynamics as economic shifts ripple through the local workforce. Slower demand for key exports and rapid technological change fuel fears of job loss and longer hours as workers try to cope. In both public and private sectors, staff feel pressure to perform while navigating uncertainty.
Layoff anxiety is not only about money; it is a public health issue. Data from research by leading employment firms shows that nearly half of workers in a major economy view layoffs as a near-term risk. A senior executive coach describes a “vicious cycle”: fear drives overwork, which lowers productivity and accelerates burnout. The result is a constant undercurrent of anxiety that dulls performance.
Career coaches warn that stress goes beyond the workplace. Persistent rumination about work can spill into personal life, harming relationships and social networks. When this becomes a daily habit, professionals are urged to address the stress rather than let it fester.
Thailand’s collectivist culture, which prizes teamwork and personal sacrifice, faces unique challenges. Workers may hesitate to discuss mental health openly due to stigma, even as economic pressure builds. Thailand’s mental health authorities have long tracked rising work-related stress in manufacturing and tourism, signaling a need for stronger support systems within workplaces.
Automation and digitalization intensify these pressures. A 2025 assessment indicates layoff anxiety is most common among remote workers, with nearly half reporting concerns, compared with about one-fifth of those in office roles. As remote work expands in Thailand and the region, employers must address this burden. Psychologists note that losing a sense of control is particularly distressing for many employees.
Anxiety in the workplace can spread, eroding morale and collaboration. Employers across electronics, automotive, apparel, and service sectors should be mindful of rumors and stress that undermine productivity. Flexible gig arrangements may offer adaptability but can mask underlying mental health issues if not managed thoughtfully.
Experts suggest concrete steps. Proactively updating resumes and broadening professional networks can restore a sense of agency. Open dialogue with managers—when culturally appropriate—can help address concerns before they escalate. In Thai firms with hierarchical norms, leadership can model transparent conversations about vulnerability and provide clear pathways for upskilling and mental health support.
For Thailand, the takeaway is clear. Authorities and businesses should embed mental health resources into HR practices, promote honest conversations about restructuring, and invest in skill development to buffer workers against employment shocks. Culturally, Thais rely on family and community for resilience; urban life intensifies the need for accessible professional mental health services. Buddhist practices offering mindfulness can complement formal care, but professional support remains essential.
Looking ahead, researchers emphasize both systemic and personal actions. Employers should communicate potential changes clearly, expand upskilling programs, and ensure mental health resources are available to all staff. Workers can build resilience by updating career plans, staying informed about industry trends, and maintaining professional networks. Open discussions about job security should be encouraged where appropriate, and seeking professional psychological support should be normal and accessible. Policymakers are urged to strengthen social safety nets and retraining programs to cushion broader socioeconomic impacts of labor shifts.
For Thai readers facing an uncertain future, the lesson is practical: act early, cultivate resilience, stay informed, and seek help before stress becomes burnout. The international experience suggests that a proactive, compassionate approach from employers and government can protect both well-being and productivity.