There was a time when landing a corporate job in Nigeria meant stability.
Today? Not so certain.
Across sectors — tech, banking, telecoms, media — restructuring conversations are increasing. Cost-cutting strategies are emerging. Performance reviews feel heavier.
Even employees who haven’t received termination letters are experiencing something else: anxiety.
Layoff fear changes behavior.
People save more aggressively. Spend more cautiously. Speak less openly in meetings. Avoid risk. Avoid confrontation.
Managers feel pressure too. Targets are rising. Revenue expectations are tightening. Shareholders demand efficiency.
In an unstable economy, companies adjust. But employees absorb the emotional weight.
The most interesting shift? Loyalty is declining.
When job security feels unpredictable, long-term commitment weakens.
Employees prepare backup plans. Update CVs quietly. Network discreetly.
Some are pivoting to entrepreneurship. Others are learning remote skills. Many are exploring foreign opportunities.
But what does constant uncertainty do to national productivity?
If workers are operating in fear mode, creativity declines. Innovation slows. Collaboration becomes cautious.
Businesses need sustainability.
Employees need predictability.
Until both align, layoff anxiety may remain the invisible force shaping Nigeria’s modern workforce.
Because in 2026, having a job is no longer the same as feeling secure.
#LayoffAnxiety #CorporateNigeria #JobSecurity #NaijaEconomy #WorkforceShift #CareerReality
