As anxiety surrounding the state of the U.S. economy soars, the Workforce Pulse Survey shared by Remote, found that 1 in 5 U.S. workers are taking on side hustles. According to the study, 79% of employees are more concerned about the economy than they were a year ago, with meaningful communication from leadership notably absent.
U.S. workers are financially worried and employers aren’t doing enough to establish trust. The study found that just 17% of workers say their employers are providing the resources and support they need to feel stable and motivated amid rising stress, fading motivation and growing financial strain.
Recommended For You
Ranking highest among the concerns, employees are worried about retirement and financial security (60%), the looming threat of layoffs (45%), and concerns about employability if they lose their current position (44%). In response to this anxiety, 18% of employees have already taken on a second job or side hustle and another 57% are considering one in order to stay afloat financially.
“People are showing up, doing the work, and carrying real pressure, but the data shows they’re not hearing directly from leadership, and they’re not seeing action that matches the moment,” said Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote. “That gap doesn’t close with simple perks or surface-level fixes. It takes real attention and follow-through.”
When asked what meaningful support from their employers would look like, workers said increased compensation or bonuses (53%), transparent communication about business outlook (40%), greater flexibility in work hours or location (36%), career development (33%) and mental health/wellbeing support (28%).
Notably, the study found that fewer than 18% of workers say they receive regular updates on how current economic conditions might affect their company or role, while 26% report only vague communication. Additionally, another 35% say their employer hasn’t addressed the issue at all.
In response to these growing concerns, the study recommends that employers treat flexibility as a strategic advantage; prioritize regular and transparent communication about business performance and future plans; offer development pathways and mentorship; check in on financial wellness and offer support; and finally, create a space for honest feedback.
“The findings serve as a reminder that people-first leadership isn’t about guesswork; it’s about listening, responding, and proactively creating environments where employees can maintain stability and productivity even in uncertain times,” said Matthews. “By sharing this data, we hope to spotlight areas where employers can take meaningful action by showing up with transparency, prioritizing flexibility and committing to fair, ethical practices – especially when times are tough.”
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
