The scariest word this year for workers from DC to Silicon Valley

Group 1 - The concept of "efficiency" has become a dominant theme in the 2025 job market, influencing both corporate strategies and government policies [2][8][10] - Major companies, including Dell, AT&T, and Verizon, are implementing layoffs and hiring freezes as a response to high interest rates, inflation, and tariff costs, aiming to balance their budgets [3][8] - The push for efficiency has led to a significant reduction in early-career and middle-management positions, as companies streamline their operations and reduce bureaucracy [10] Group 2 - CEOs from leading tech firms, such as Meta, Amazon, and Google, are advocating for a "Great Flattening" approach, which simplifies organizational structures to enhance productivity and profitability [10] - The rise of AI technologies, including chatbots capable of performing coding and administrative tasks, is contributing to job insecurity and a shift in workforce dynamics, particularly affecting college-educated workers [4][10] - Employees are experiencing mixed feelings about the efficiency drive, with some eager to adapt and learn new skills, while others struggle to meet the rapidly changing expectations [5]