'Job hugging' explained: Why clinging to your job may be harmful
The era of constant job hopping may be over. While it once seemed every young professional was eager to jump from one company to the next, a new trend has emerged. Many young workers, particularly Gen Z, are now choosing to stay in their jobs—even if they're not happy.
According to the 2025 Talent Trend report by recruitment agency Michael Page Philippines, workers who said that they have been actively seeking new employment have decreased to 53% from 74% last year. They reasoned that they wanted to negotiate for high compensation instead of opting to switch jobs.
This new trend is referred to as "job hugging," and it has workers staying put at their jobs rather than seeking new opportunities that can better advance their careers. While this has its own perks, it can also prove harmful to one's overall growth and mental well-being.
PhilSTAR L!fe spoke with experts on the matter to find out whether job hugging is a serious issue in the workforce and what ways it can be addressed.
What is job hugging?
Jonane Quiambao, a human resources business partner and content creator behind HR Rant with Nae on TikTok, noted how job hugging is something that many employees "silently go through."
"It’s a mix of fear, comfort, and uncertainty, but also a reminder that work isn’t just about survival, it’s about growth and fulfillment too," she said.
In its essence, job hugging is holding onto your job even if it no longer satisfies you. Quiambao explained that this is because of "fear, stability, or not knowing what’s out there."
"Security is the number one reason. Bills don’t stop, and the job market can be tough," she said.
"It’s not always bad, but if you’re staying for the wrong reasons, it can lead to burnout and disengagement," she added. "If people stay just for the paycheck, you’ll see lower motivation and creativity at work. Eventually, that mindset spreads and affects the whole company culture."
A tell-tale sign of job hugging, according to Quiambao, is when someone repeatedly talks about quitting their job but never actually does. It can also manifest in avoiding new challenges and just "getting by."
"You can also sense it when employees no longer show excitement about growth," she said.
Is staying at a job a bad thing?
Older generations have always said that remaining loyal to one job is the key to long-term career success, but is it always true? Now, there are doubts as to whether staying put actually leads to growth and fulfillment.
When asked if it's actually a risk to stay in the same role for a long time, Quiambao asserted that it's not.
"Some people really enjoy stability and become experts in their field," she said.
"The problem is when someone feels stuck. Staying long because you love it is different from staying long because you’re scared to move," she added.
How to address job hugging
If left unchecked, job hugging can hold both employees and companies back. So how can it be addressed healthily and productively? Quiambao suggested that companies can keep employees engaged by "showing them they have options inside the company."
"Offer learning opportunities, career paths, and open conversations about growth. Recognize their work. If employees feel valued, they’ll stay because they want to, not because they’re afraid to leave," she said.
And for those who feel stuck in their jobs but are too scared to leave, it's okay to acknowledge those feelings.
"It’s okay to admit you’re scared. But don’t ignore the feeling of being stuck. Start with small steps, update your CV, take online courses, or talk to mentors," she said.
"Even if you don’t leave right away, investing in yourself gives you options. That alone makes you feel less trapped. Remember, your career is not supposed to feel like a cage; it should be something that helps you grow into who you want to be," she added.
