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Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Monster<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Layoffs are being discussed everywhere from headlines and LinkedIn feeds to group chats. Yet when it comes time to update a resume, many workers still feel they need to keep quiet.<\/p>\n According to Monster\u2019s Layoff Stigma Study, based on responses from more than 1,000 employed U.S. workers, one in three workers (33%) say they would hide a layoff on their resume if they were laid off tomorrow.<\/p>\n Even in an era of widespread corporate downsizing, job seekers remain conflicted about how much transparency is too much.<\/p>\n The findings reveal a modern paradox: Layoffs are increasingly common and publicly discussed, yet many workers still fear how a layoff might be perceived by recruiters and hiring managers.<\/p>\n Even as layoffs become more common, many workers feel pressure to conceal them during the job search process.<\/p>\n Layoffs may be common, but they\u2019re still uncomfortable to talk about. When asked how they feel discussing a layoff socially:<\/p>\n That means more than half of workers experience some level of embarrassment when talking about being laid off, even during a year marked by mass corporate cuts.<\/p>\n Workers are divided on whether perceptions around layoffs are improving:<\/p>\n Despite the frequency of layoffs across industries, many workers feel that the narrative hasn\u2019t shifted enough and for some, it\u2019s actually deteriorating.<\/p>\n Public layoff announcements have become more visible on LinkedIn, particularly in the tech sector. But for most workers, discretion still wins.<\/p>\n While viral layoff posts can generate support and networking opportunities, the majority of workers still worry about visibility, judgment, or long-term professional consequences.<\/p>\n The study also sheds light on how workers think about financial protection during layoffs:<\/p>\n Workers overwhelmingly favor longer severance packages, with 90% expecting at least one month of pay or severance tied to tenure.<\/p>\n The takeaway is clear: layoffs may be common, but the stigma hasn\u2019t disappeared. Many workers still feel the need to manage perception carefully, especially on resumes and social platforms.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why clarity, context, and confidence matter more than ever. Job seekers who are transparent and focus on accomplishments rather than circumstances are better positioned to control their story.<\/p>\n To help workers navigate resume updates after a layoff, Monster offers a free resume builder<\/a> and free customizable templates<\/a>, designed to help job seekers present their career history with clarity and confidence.<\/p>\n Because a layoff may be part of your story but it doesn\u2019t define your value.<\/p>\n This survey was conducted by Pollfish on January 7, 2026, among 1,002 currently employed U.S. workers. Respondents answered a series of multiple-choice questions examining perceptions of layoffs, resume disclosure, workplace stigma, social sharing, and severance expectations.<\/p>\n The sample included representation across generations, with 17% Gen Z (born 1997 or later), 27% Millennials (born 1981\u20131996), 27% Gen X (born 1965\u20131980), and 29% Baby Boomers (born 1946\u20131964). Respondents identified their gender as 46% male, 54% female.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nKey Findings<\/h2>\n
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One in Three Workers Would Hide a Layoff<\/h2>\n
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The Social Stigma Isn\u2019t Gone<\/h2>\n
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Layoff Stigma Isn\u2019t Improving<\/h2>\n
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Most Workers Prefer Privacy Online<\/h2>\n
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What Workers Consider Fair Severance<\/h2>\n
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What This Means for Job Seekers<\/h2>\n
Methodology<\/h2>\n