New Delhi (Business Correspondent): Amid economic uncertainties and corporate budget cuts around the world, a worrying trend is emerging, Employees in their 40s are the most vulnerable to layoffs. Bombay Shaving Company CEO Shantanu Deshpande recently drew attention to this trend on social media, which he termed as a “global phenomenon”.
Deshpande said that these professionals usually hold senior positions in companies and their salaries are relatively high. When companies have to cut costs, these people are the first to come on the list because their salaries have a direct impact on the company’s budget. He wrote in an Instagram post, “Professionals in their 40s are juggling responsibilities like children’s education, taking care of old parents, home loans. They have limited savings and at such a time, losing a job becomes a financial and mental disaster.”
No job, no security: When the thread is cut before the ‘golden salary’
Mr Deshpande said that employees of this age are at a stage where their “golden salary period” is about to start. In such a situation, sudden layoffs not only disrupt income, but also shake the direction of their career. He described it as a “very unstable period” and said, “These people have the burden of their children, parents, loans and future plans, and losing a job destabilizes their entire life.”
What is the solution? CEO suggested 3 solutions
When a user on LinkedIn asked Deshpande what is the solution to this global problem, he suggested three main survival strategies:
- Develop skills in AI and new technologies
- Focus on financial savings
- Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset
According to him, through these ways people of this age group can remain competitive and prepare themselves for a secure future.
People’s opinion: “This age is becoming the most insecure”
After Shantanu’s post, the debate intensified on social media. Many users agreed that employees between the ages of 40 and 45 have now become the most insecure, especially those who have moved from big companies to startups. An Instagram user wrote, “It is not easy to change skills at this age. We have spent 15 years on the same platform. New skills require time and money, which not everyone has.”
The mental impact of layoffs is also serious
According to the recent WHO 2025 report, 40 percent of the employees affected by layoffs fall victim to severe stress. Especially middle-class men, who bear a large part of family responsibilities, feel the most mental pressure. The age of 40 is the time when a professional is moving towards the peak of his career, but in today’s global economy, this age is becoming the most insecure in terms of jobs. This trend cannot be ignored, and there is a need to remain vigilant, constantly learn, and stay financially strong.
