European Workers Sound Alarm on U.S. Corporate Influence: 83% Fear Negative Impact on Workplace Culture

European employees push back against American-style workplace policies, call for stronger labour protections.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new survey of 1,000 European workers across Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the UK reveals growing anxiety over the spread of U.S. corporate culture in Europe. More than eight in ten (83%) of employees are concerned that high-profile U.S. leaders like Elon Musk—especially during his time in the Trump administration—could be driving a harmful shift in workplace norms. 34% would start looking for a new job immediately if their company adopted U.S.-style policies (e.g. return-to-office mandates or weekly accountability reports).

The report, conducted by Zety®, a career services platform specializing in resumes and cover letters, highlights key concerns among European workers about the increasing influence of U.S. corporate culture on their workplaces. As U.S. business practices become more common across Europe, workers fear losing key labour rights that have long defined their professional environments.

Key Findings

• Anxiety From Growing U.S. Influence: 86% of Europeans believe U.S. corporate culture is influencing European companies more than in previous years.
• Threats to Well-Being: 78% worry that U.S. corporate practices could threaten strong labour laws, impacting work-life balance and holiday time – 76% believe adopting America's "always-on" work culture would worsen their mental health.
• Call to Strengthen European Labour Laws: 68% support stronger labour protections in response to the increasing adoption of U.S.-style workplace policies.
• Concerns Over American Workplace Trends: One-third (34%) are worried about increased workplace surveillance and productivity tracking, while 1 in 5 (20%) are concerned about the push to return to office and reduce remote work.
• Recession Fears High: 71% are worried about the impact of a possible U.S. recession on their own workplaces, reflecting the broader financial unease that U.S. economic trends are creating among European workers.

U.S. Corporate Influence: A Growing Concern in Europe
The growing presence of U.S. corporate and economic practices is sparking concern about potential threats to European labour rights, financial stability and overall work-life balance.

• 86% believe U.S. workplace culture is influencing European companies more than in previous years, with 37% saying the influence is significantly stronger.
• 83% are concerned that high-profile leaders in Trump's administration, like Elon Musk, will negatively influence workplace culture in their country.
• 78% worry that U.S. corporate practices could threaten strong labour laws, work-life balance, and holiday time.
• 71% worry about the impact of a possible U.S. recession on their own workplaces.

European Workers Resist American Workplace Practices
Many European employees are resisting the adoption of American-style workplace norms, prioritizing labour protections and mental health.

• 95% emphasize the importance of keeping European labour laws independent from U.S. corporate influence.
• 59% consider protecting labour laws from U.S. influence a top priority.
• 68% support stronger labour laws in response to the increasing adoption of U.S.-style workplace policies.
• 34% would begin looking for a new job immediately if their company implemented U.S. workplace policies such as longer working hours, return-to-office mandates, weekly accountability reports or fewer holidays.

Top U.S. Workplace Trends that Concern Europeans
Several trends in U.S. workplace culture are raising red flags for European workers.

• 43% are most concerned about the overemphasis on "hustle culture" and long hours.
• 34% are worried about increased workplace surveillance and productivity tracking.
• 33% fear layoffs and job insecurity in the tech and corporate sectors.
• 30% are concerned about AI and automation replacing jobs.
• 20% are troubled by the push to return to office and reduce remote work.

Mental Health and Work-Life Balance at Risk
Employees fear that adopting American-style workplace practices could lead to increased stress and burnout.

• 76% believe adopting a U.S.-style "always-on" work culture would worsen their mental health.
• 48% would consider leaving their job if their work-life balance were significantly affected by U.S.-style workplace policies.

European Workers Have Little Interest in U.S. Work Culture
When asked what they find most appealing about U.S. work culture, European workers showed limited enthusiasm:

• 42% cited higher salaries and performance-based pay—the most significant draw.
• 27% were interested in job opportunities within innovative industries.
• 24% valued the American entrepreneurial mindset and career mobility.
• Only 22% found the U.S. focus on individual achievement appealing.

While financial incentives attract some, the broader aspects of U.S. work culture—such as competitiveness and emphasis on individual success—hold little appeal for most European workers.

"As U.S. corporate influence creeps into European workplaces, employees aren't having it," said Zety career expert, Jasmine Escalera. "They're pushing back against policies that put work-life balance, job security, and mental health at risk. With more workers demanding stronger protections, European leaders could soon be under real pressure to keep the harsher side of U.S. corporate culture at bay."

For detailed insights on the Pan European Report, access the full study at https://zety.com/blog/pan-european-report or contact Skyler Acevedo, at [email protected].

Methodology
The findings presented were obtained by surveying 1,000 workers across Italy, France, Spain, Germany and the UK, gathering 200 respondents from each country. The survey was conducted on March 21, 2025 using Pollfish. Participants were queried about the influence of U.S. workplace trends in Europe, responding to various question types, including yes/no questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers.

About Zety
Zety is the leading career website providing the ultimate career toolbox to help everyone find their dream job. Fueled by the best career experts and a community of millions of readers, Zety shares a range of innovative resume templates, expert advice, and resources to empower job seekers at every stage of their career journey. Launched in 2016, Zety has helped millions of job seekers across the globe find employment. With a rapidly growing community of more than 40 million readers, Zety is regarded as "the best online resume builder" on the market and has been featured in Fast Company, CNBC and Forbes, among many others. Follow Zety on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X to stay connected and receive the latest updates.

Media Contact
Skyler Acevedo, Zety, 3472927178, [email protected], zety.com

SOURCE Zety