Employees across Europe are voicing unease over the growing influence of American workplace culture within their organisations, according to a survey of carried out among employees in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The research, carried out by career platform Zety, found that there is widespread apprehension about the long-term implications of U.S. business practices on established European labour standards, workplace wellbeing and employee autonomy.
According to the study, 86 percent of respondents believe U.S. corporate norms are influencing European employers more than in previous years, while 83 percent are specifically worried about high-profile figures from the Trump administration, such as Elon Musk, having a negative effect on their country’s workplace culture.
Growing apprehension
Workers report growing anxiety that the adoption of American-style policies could disrupt key employment protections. Among the top concerns are threats to work-life balance, increased workplace surveillance, a push to reduce holiday entitlements and rising pressure to return to physical offices.
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Nearly four in five (78%) fear that long-standing European labour protections could be compromised, with 76 percent stating that an “always-on” work culture would be detrimental to their mental health.
Many respondents said they would take personal action if their workplace introduced such changes. Over a third (34%) said they would look for a new role immediately if their employer adopted practices such as longer hours, fewer holidays or weekly productivity reports.
Concerns about legal protections and job security
The findings point to a strong desire among European workers to maintain independence from U.S. corporate influence. Ninety-five percent said they believe European labour law should remain autonomous, while 59 percent said it is a top priority. In response to the increasing adoption of American workplace policies, 68 percent of those surveyed support the introduction of stronger labour laws within Europe.
There are also financial concerns. With the U.S. economy facing potential instability, 71 percent of respondents expressed fears about how a possible American recession could affect their own job security. Worries about redundancy and instability in the corporate and tech sectors were also mentioned, with 33 percent citing layoffs and job insecurity as a key issue.
Surveillance and tracking were among the most frequently cited concerns, with 34 percent expressing discomfort with increased monitoring of their productivity. A further 43 percent said the emphasis on “hustle culture” and extended hours was their greatest concern. Other respondents mentioned fears around the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on job security, with 30 percent saying this issue worried them.
Remote work policies also featured prominently in the survey. One in five employees (20%) raised concern over the growing pressure to return to offices and the reduction of remote working options. This trend, linked to U.S. business practice, is viewed by some as a threat to work-life balance and employee wellbeing.
Mental health and motivation under pressure
When asked how a shift toward American workplace culture would affect them, most respondents anticipated a negative outcome. Seventy-six percent said their mental health would be adversely affected by a move toward U.S.-style working norms. Just under half (48%) reported that they would consider leaving their role if changes to workplace culture significantly disrupted their work-life balance.
Despite some perceived advantages, most respondents showed minimal interest in adopting U.S. workplace ideals. Higher pay and performance-based bonuses were mentioned by 42 percent as an appealing aspect of American culture. However, beyond compensation, enthusiasm remained limited. Only 27 percent found U.S. job opportunities within innovative industries attractive, and just 24 percent appreciated the entrepreneurial mindset. An even lower 22 percent cited individual achievement as a value they admired.
These results suggest that while some aspects of U.S. corporate practice may appeal financially, the broader American approach to work is at odds with the expectations and values of many European professionals. The findings may prompt HR teams to reassess how they incorporate global trends into workplace culture, particularly as companies navigate cross-border influences and shifting expectations among their workforce.
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
