Canadian and US employers and employees: 2023 layoff trends and interview refusals
In 2023, a notable share of employers across Russia signaled expectations of workforce reductions, a trend that echoed in many global labor markets. While a substantial portion of companies anticipated layoffs, another sizeable group indicated they would hold staffing steady through year-end. In parallel, a notable segment of workers surveyed were actively exploring new opportunities, with many periodically checking job boards for openings. This snapshot provides a broader context for understanding hiring dynamics in North America as well, where employers and job seekers continually adjust to evolving economic signals and labor conditions (Forbes, 2023).
Across the board, the balance between hiring plans and job security remained fluid. Some employers projected reductions in headcount while others planned to expand teams, highlighting a spectrum of strategies depending on industry, market demand, and internal priorities. For job seekers in Canada and the United States, these divergent signals underscored the importance of staying adaptable, maintaining up-to-date skills, and actively evaluating opportunities rather than relying on a single offer or employer. The same period saw a portion of workers actively seeking new roles, with many using job portals sporadically to assess potential fits and opportunities (Forbes, 2023).
In this environment, it was observed that candidates sometimes declined offers after progressing through interviews, which has become a notable trend in recent years. The top reasons cited included compensation not aligning with expectations, a mismatch between the advertised role and actual responsibilities, and work schedules that did not suit individual needs. These factors underscore the need for clarity during the interview process and realistic job previews to reduce late-stage declines, benefiting both sides of the hiring equation (Forbes, 2023).
The reluctance to commit after successful screening reached high levels, with more than half of respondents reporting refusals after completing assessments. This rise represented one of the strongest figures seen in nearly a decade and reflected broader shifts in how candidates weigh job offers. In addition, data indicated gender differences in post-interview decision-making, with women reporting refusals at a slightly higher rate than men after interviews. For Canadian and American employers, these insights emphasize the value of transparent communication, competitive total compensation discussions, and alignment of role expectations to improve offer acceptance and retention across markets (Forbes, 2023).