Nearly two-thirds of HR leaders expect layoffs in 2027
LHH's U.S. Severance and Separation Benefits Benchmark Study, based on a survey of 600 U.S. HR and business leaders, finds 66% of HR leaders expect layoffs over the next 12 months, nearly double the share in its 2024 report. Severance is tightening: 38% of companies reduced packages, up from 9% in 2024, while career transition services for nonexempt staff rose to 79% from 58%. HR now leads outplacement decisions at only 30% of organizations, down from 58%, while CFOs lead at 18%.
