Rising Layoffs: Experts Say Overtime No Guarantee of Job Security

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Working late into the night, or overtime, and sacrificing weekends has long been seen as a way to demonstrate dedication and secure one’s position at work. However, in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), this strategy is no longer a guarantee of career security.

The phenomenon known as the ‘infinite workday’ is increasingly prevalent, with employees constantly inundated with work emails, messages, and notifications outside normal working hours.

Ironically, AI advancements are causing some workers to spend even more time working than before. A October 2025 survey by job platform Monster of 807 full-time workers found 76% of respondents considered themselves at least somewhat ‘workaholic’.

However, career experts argue that overworking to avoid layoffs is no longer an effective strategy. Author and employee experience expert Kalifa Oliver stated that job security is no longer guaranteed.

‘In the AI era, job security is no longer certain,’ Oliver said, cited from CNBC Make It on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The statement comes amid a wave of restructuring by major tech companies. On 20 May, Meta was reported to have cut around 8,000 jobs.

In an internal memo to employees, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that success in AI competition cannot be assumed. A similar trend is evident in the Global Talent Trends 2026 report released by consultancy firm Mercer.

The survey of 825 senior executives and 1,650 HR leaders found 99% of executives expect the workforce to shrink by up to 20% in the next two years due to AI-driven changes in working methods.

According to Mexico-based organisational development and leadership consultant Chelsea Jay, overworking out of fear of job loss can trigger new issues.

She explained that the habit can lead to overthinking, over-analysis, and excessive work, ultimately impacting quality of life.

‘This can lead to reduced creativity, sleep deprivation, burnout, and frustration,’ she said.

A April 2026 report by mental health service provider Spring Health found 46% of workers experiencing burnout reported greater difficulty maintaining focus and productivity at work.

Oliver added that the relationship between workers and companies is fundamentally a professional transaction.

‘Work is a transaction, regardless of how much you love it,’ she said.

She noted that overworked employees are more prone to errors, loss of innovative ability, and inability to contribute optimally to the company.

To avoid the trap of overworking, Jay advised workers to re-evaluate the root causes of their workload.

Key questions include whether the workload is reasonable, if skill gaps are prolonging tasks, if team support is sufficient, whether tasks can be delegated, and which activities consume the most time during work hours.

She also recommended workers track their time usage over a week to identify time-saving opportunities. Additionally, if working outside office hours, setting realistic limits is advised to maintain physical and mental health.

Experts agree hard work remains important, but treating overtime and exhaustion as prerequisites for success can backfire for both workers and companies.

‘Ultimately, burnout is bad for both individuals and businesses,’ Oliver said.