Workers are ‘job hugging’ in a stagnant labor market, but growing resentment means they could bail as soon as the next Great Resignation comes

A woman sitting in an office looks to the side, disappointed. (Credit: Getty Images)

• More employees are planning to stay at their current jobs as a stagnant labor market shakes workers’ confidence they’ll be able to find work elsewhere. This act of “job hugging,” however, can exacerbate employees feeling stuck, stoking resentment toward their employers. One workplace expert said this growing discontent will lead to another Great Resignation once market conditions improve.

A stagnating labor market is leading workers to hold tightly on to their jobs, even as growing workplace uncertainty stokes resentment and concern among employees, consultants warn. But while employees are staying put to weather the storm, this act of “job hugging” may only be temporary as they prepare to flee as soon as market conditions improve.