The concept of “career cushioning” has emerged as a new workplace trend where employees create a professional “Plan B” to protect themselves in case of layoffs or redundancies. While some workers are simply keeping their options open, others are actively applying for new roles. The job market, although still relatively strong, has seen an increase in layoffs and hiring freezes, especially in the tech sector. This has caused a panic around job security, leading to the adoption of “career cushioning” as an insurance policy for success in the future. “Career cushioning” involves employees engaging in job-hunting activities to add an extra layer of security and soften the emotional blow of being laid off. To protect themselves, workers can establish a contingency plan, improve their networking contacts, and upskill to enhance their employability.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Career cushioning” trend in the workplace | From job security to contingency planning | More employees actively seeking new roles | Fear of redundancy and desire for professional security |
| Employees looking for other jobs | From job stability to exploring options | Increased focus on employability | Uncertain economic times and desire for a backup plan |
| “Career cushioning” as an insurance policy | From relying on one job to having a backup | Stronger networking and contingency plans | Fear of job loss and desire for added security |
| Upskilling to build confidence | From limited skills to a wide skill set | More confident job search | Desire for confidence and preparedness in case of job loss |
| Strengthening networking contacts | From limited connections to a strong network | Better support for job transitions | Desire for support and assistance in finding a new position if current job is lost |