More than half of U.S. frontline workers fear they could lose their jobs due to trade policy changes while nearly three-quarters believe tariffs will impact their future earnings, according to a comprehensive new survey released Tuesday.
The study by workforce management firm UKG found widespread concern among non-salaried and shift workers about economic uncertainty created by recent tariff policy changes, with many already altering both work and personal behaviors in response.
“Main Street” employees believe they’re bearing a disproportionate burden compared to their corporate counterparts, with 77% of respondents saying tariffs hurt frontline workers more than Wall Street employees.
Workers report emotional toll
Frontline employees, defined as those who must be physically present at specific times and places to perform their jobs, reported significant emotional distress about trade policy changes.
The survey found 65% of workers feeling nervous, 56% stressed, and 56% angry about potential tariff impacts on their employment. Three-quarters said the 90-day tariff pause implemented earlier this year created additional uncertainty about their future.
Two-thirds believe pending tariffs will disrupt scheduling and overtime opportunities while also limiting future job prospects.
Behavioral changes emerge at work and home
More than half of frontline workers surveyed have already experienced noticeable workplace changes attributed to tariffs, and many are proactively responding to economic uncertainty.
At work, 72% report changing behaviors, including:
- 37% working harder to prove their value
- 25% voluntarily taking additional hours
- 23% adding new skills or certifications for job security
The effects extend beyond the workplace, with 83% altering personal habits:
- 48% increasing savings
- 31% paying closer attention to economic news
- 26% postponing major purchases
- 13% delaying retirement plans
- 24% seeking additional income sources
Generational divide evident in response to uncertainty
The survey revealed stark differences in how various age groups perceive and respond to trade policy changes.
Gen Z workers expressed significantly more concern than their older counterparts, with 63% fearing job loss compared to just 28% of Baby Boomers reporting the same concern.
Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (47%) report working harder to demonstrate their value versus only 15% of Boomers. Gen Z workers are also more likely to adjust spending habits, with 58% saving more or switching to lower-cost products compared to 37% of Baby Boomers.
The UKG survey, conducted April 21-24, included more than 5,000 frontline workers across various industries and is believed to be the largest study to date measuring worker sentiment regarding tariff impacts.
