Job hugging is the new term that is taking over the workforce. Millions of people are guilty of doing it. However, is this a smart move—or foolish?
Job hugging may appear like the right idea, but is this truly the case? Can job hugging actually be a bad thing?
Here is everything you need to know about job hugging, and whether or not it is the right move for you:
What is Job Hugging?
The antithesis of job hopping, job hugging is when an employee holds—or ‘hugs’—onto their job. In other words, the worker chooses to hold onto their position versus jump to a new one.
Since the labor market has drastically cooled, many Americans are nervous to relocate their jobs to a new position. Statistically, job hoppers are no longer receiving an increase in salary worth leaving for. Fortune Magazine even stated that “jobless growth” is the new reality.
Is Job Hugging the Right Move?
As the labor workforce and hiring have cooled off, staying put may actually be the smarter move. Gone are the days of The Great Resignation and switching jobs and getting a substantial increase in pay. Salary increase is one of the main reasons workers are ready to make the move.
Without the salary increase and better benefits, it may not be wise to leave a position where you are rooted. The comfort, stability, seniority, and pay no longer outweigh the benefits of staying at their current job.
Will Job Hugging Stay Put?
According to a Monster career and job report, this trend may be here to stay for a long time. The study backs up the trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
The study revealed that over 75% of workers plan to hug their job through the end of 2027, if not longer. Nearly 48% of employees also shared they are staying put out of fear and economic nervousness.
Here are more shocking statistics from the conducted career and job study:
- 59% say job hugging is more common this year than last
- 63% expect it to rise even higher in 2026
- 27% cite pay, and 26% cite job security as the top reasons employees stay put
- 55% say older workers are more likely to job hug than younger ones
- 85% of workers admit they have job hugged at least once in their career
- 55% say Gen X and Boomers are more likely to job hug
- 25% believe Gen Z and Millennials do it more
- 20% think it’s the same across generations
What’s Next?
Although the majority of workers plan to stay the course, that does not mean it is the end. Many workers are still on the hunt for better opportunities—yet less willing to make the jump unless it meets their exact needs and benefits.
People are still navigating new and better options in their work world. As they peruse new opportunities, they are “side stacking” these positions. These positions can even include side gigs, secondary incomes, and starting their own businesses. All signs point to needing increased income to pay bills and to stay stable in this uncertain economy.
Bottom Line
American employees are hugging their jobs out of security, not satisfaction anymore. In this time of economic and financial uncertainty, it may be wiser to stay put at the current position than job hop.
Although many people are still looking for new positions and side-stacking options, the majority are not interested in starting a new job. As things remain shaky in the American economy, holding onto your current career may be the better choice. Keep your eyes open for something more aligned with your needs, but do not make the jump unless everything on your checklist is checked off.
