57% Are Job Hugging
Date
After the frenzy of job-hopping that defined the early 2020s, many employees are now embracing a different approach: “job hugging.” Career analysts use the term to describe individuals who stay in their current roles, not out of loyalty, but out of caution.
According to a February 2026 survey by ResumeBuilder.com, 57% of respondents identify as job huggers, up from 45% just six months earlier. This trend reflects a growing preference for stability over career mobility, even as employment data shows signs of recovery.
Why Job Hugging Is Rising
Several factors are fueling this shift.
Economic uncertainty and layoffs Major companies continue to reduce headcount. For instance, Amazon recently cut 16,000 positions, while 2025 saw 1.17 million job losses, the highest in the U.S. since the onset of COVID-19.
Automation and AI fears Many employees worry that technology could threaten their roles. In the ResumeBuilder survey, 70% of job huggers said they fear AI will impact their jobs within six months, and 63% fear layoffs in the same period.
Labor market cooling After pandemic-era hiring booms and high counteroffers, openings have decreased and wage growth has softened, making career moves riskier.
The Jobs “Relationship” Reality
Staying in a role doesn’t mean satisfaction. A Glassdoor Community poll found that 93% of people stayed in jobs they didn’t love because it offered stability. In addition, 63% describe their relationship with work as “it’s complicated” or say they are “ready to break up.” Many report working longer hours, missing promotions, or passing up raises, all in exchange for perceived security.
Why Employers Should Care
Low turnover might seem beneficial at first glance, but analysts warn it can hide deep disengagement. Employees who stay out of fear may be less open to innovation, professional development, or organizational change. Studies suggest this can dampen productivity, particularly in smaller companies where morale is closely tied to performance.
The Bigger Picture
Job hugging is more than an individual choice, it’s a reflection of broader trends in the modern workplace.
Structural shifts Fewer openings, softer wage growth, and economic volatility make moving riskier.
Technological disruption Automation and AI are reshaping job security perceptions.
Behavioral trends Stability is increasingly valued over mobility, even when it comes at the cost of career growth.
In Essence
Job hugging may feel like a safe choice, but it comes with trade-offs. Employees risk stalling career momentum, while organizations may face hidden disengagement and reduced innovation. Understanding this trend is crucial for both workers and employers navigating the modern labor market.
Sources Resume Builder “6 in 10 Workers Are Clinging To Their Jobs as Job Hugging Soars in 2026” February 2026
QZ “‘Job Hugging’ on the rise” February 2026
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