In a sobering reality check for corporate India, Shantanu Deshpande, the CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, has raised alarm bells over the rising wave of layoffs hitting mid-career professionals, particularly those in their 40s. In a now-viral LinkedIn post, Deshpande called the trend a “global phenomenon,” pointing out that professionals in this age group are increasingly the first to be let go during economic uncertainty or internal restructuring.
These employees, often the highest earners within their organizations, are finding themselves more vulnerable than ever. “They have children entering college, financial responsibilities toward parents, EMIs to pay — and often, not enough savings,” Deshpande wrote. He highlighted how these individuals, despite decades of experience, face disproportionate career risk as companies tighten budgets and turn toward younger, lower-salaried talent.
The trend has sparked widespread discussion online, especially around what is now being referred to as the “40-40 problem.” This term reflects the struggle of professionals above the age of 40 or earning more than ₹40 lakh per annum, who are now finding it increasingly difficult to get re-hired. The job market deems them too expensive for mid-level roles, too experienced for entry-level jobs, and lacking in critical modern skills such as AI, automation, and digital transformation.
A recent 2025 survey by the World Health Organization has only added weight to these concerns. It found that nearly 40% of mid-career professionals affected by layoffs experience severe stress, with middle-aged men being especially vulnerable due to their traditional role as primary earners in Indian households. The emotional and financial toll of sudden unemployment has become a mental health challenge that is gaining attention across HR circles and executive boards.
Deshpande’s post also emphasized the importance of preparing for these uncertain times. His advice? Start upskilling in emerging technologies like AI and automation, save aggressively, and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to stay ahead. These aren’t just recommendations — they’re survival strategies for today’s shifting job landscape.
India’s corporate sector, meanwhile, is being urged to respond. Experts are calling for age-inclusive hiring policies, structured reskilling programs, and better mental health support systems for laid-off professionals. As the country moves toward a more digitally-driven economy, stakeholders warn that excluding an entire generation of experienced talent could prove detrimental in the long run.
The crisis has exposed deeper issues around ageism, financial insecurity, and the changing nature of work in post-pandemic India. While fresh graduates are being courted with digital skills and agility, those with decades of expertise are being sidelined — often without warning, without preparation, and without support.
This growing disconnect calls for urgent reform in hiring practices and corporate culture. Because if India’s economy is to thrive, it must ensure that experience and age are not liabilities, but strengths.
Stay tuned newsdailyupdates for more updates.
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