Bosses may be unknowingly driving this fear by simply staying behind closed doors, as 76 percent of employees say that when faced with this scenario unexpectedly, it triggers thoughts of being laid off.

“In today’s economic environment, employees are searching for every clue to determine their job fate. Too often, not enough direct input is given to employees, and so non-verbal cues are heavily relied upon,” said Lynn Taylor, an expert and author on workplace issues.

“Managers working behind closed doors may be shutting out more than noise – they may be shutting down productivity,” she added.

Taylor said that while mangers have to deal with more sensitive personnel issues today than in previous decades, they can counter employee concerns at a critical time with more proactive communication.

“Acknowledging the astounding impact a small gesture can have on corporate productivity in tense times is a good first step. Providing your team with reassurances whenever possible will mitigate unnecessary panic and help them stay focused,” Taylor said.

The U.S. study was based on telephone interviews conducted with 1,000 people 18 years of age or older. The survey found that the average employee spends 2.8 hours (168.8 minutes) a day worrying about personal job concerns, such as company lay-offs and /or losing their job.