What Drives Job Hugging? A Deep Dive into Workers' Fears Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Rise of Job Hugging: Insights From Recent Survey

A recent survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com unveils a startling trend among workers in the current economic climate: nearly half of employees are engaging in what is termed ‘job hugging.’ This term refers to the tendency of individuals to hold onto their current positions out of fear, especially in the face of economic instability and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Survey Overview

In August 2025, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 2,221 full-time U.S. workers to delve into the psyche behind this growing phenomenon. The findings reveal that approximately 45% of respondents are choosing to remain in their current positions, primarily due to fears surrounding potential layoffs, the threat of AI replacing jobs, and a general assessment of a weak job market.

A staggering 95% of these ‘job huggers’ cited their apprehensions about the job market as the predominant reason for staying in their roles. Almost half of this group describes the current job market as either ‘not very good’ or ‘terrible,’ highlighting an environment of uncertainty that leaves many feeling trapped.

Impact of AI and Job Security

Concerns about AI seem to be a significant factor plaguing the minds of workers who are hesitant to embark on new employment opportunities. A remarkable 77% of individuals in this category fear that AI advancements will complicate their chances of securing a job in the future. This worry is compounded by the fact that the economic climate is not fostering job growth, which makes moving to a new job feel particularly risky.

Interestingly, the survey also indicated that if conditions were to improve, 84% of those who are currently job hugging would proactively seek roles with better pay. Additionally, a notable 60% indicated they would look for positions offering improved benefits, and 57% stated they are interested in jobs that provide greater opportunities for growth.

The Work Ethic Shift

With the backdrop of these fears, it’s not surprising to see that many job huggers are increasing their efforts at work. The survey notes that about 60% of these individuals are anxious about potential layoffs, leading them to exert more effort in their current roles. An impressive 84% of those concerned about job security reported having to work harder to safeguard their positions.

This surge in effort often manifests in several ways, including taking on additional tasks, extending work hours, and building stronger relationships with management—sometimes to the extent of indulging in behaviors such as ‘sucking up’ to superiors to enhance job security.

Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, provides insight into this situation, stating, “The combination of a soft job market, economic uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs has slowed hiring, leaving many workers reluctant to make a move. The fear of AI potentially displacing jobs intensifies this caution. For many, it has shifted from pursuit of opportunity to a need for job preservation.”

Exploring Opportunities: A Balancing Act

Despite the overarching sentiment of caution, a significant number of workers are still exploring alternative opportunities. Over half of the respondents claimed they occasionally browse job listings, while others actively apply for positions or attend interviews.

However, many job huggers do not foresee feeling comfortable enough to make a change for at least another year, with some predicting that it could take one to two years or more before they are ready to consider new employment options. This reflects a complex balancing act between the desire for security and the longing for improved job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The findings from ResumeBuilder.com paint a vivid picture of the current job market in the U.S., highlighting a landscape where job security fears reign supreme, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and economic uncertainty. As the workforce grapples with these challenges, the concept of job hugging is likely to persist until a more stable environment is established. Employment conditions will need to evolve for workers to feel empowered to pursue new opportunities, rather than cling to their current roles out of fear.