Layoffs Near Great Recession Levels: Signs, Causes, and 2026 Planning Implications

U.S. layoffs reached 1.2M in 2025 (Jan-Nov), up 54% YoY and approaching 2009 Great Recession levels, driven primarily by slower-than-expected revenue growth and cost management pressures. The article identifies seven warning signs of impending layoffs and emphasizes that companies use hiring freezes, limited backfills, and layoffs to manage people costs, which represent 70-80% of tech company budgets. CFOs should expect continued workforce reduction pressure in 2026 as boards push for cash efficiency and cost-to-revenue alignment.