Fear of AI and Global Instability Fuels Job Hugging Trend

As economic uncertainty clouds the job market, more Americans are clinging to their current positions rather than chasing new opportunities. Consultants at Korn Ferry say this shift, dubbed “job hugging,” marks a stark departure from the “job hopping” trend that defined the Great Resignation just a few years ago. Recent data shows the national quit rate remains near 2 percent, signaling lower worker confidence in finding better opportunities elsewhere. Experts point to global instability and the rise of AI as key drivers of this cautious mindset. But while holding on may provide short-term security, analysts warn it could also keep employees from advancing their skills and careers in the long run.