Futures

Understanding the Trend of Career Cushioning Amid Job Market Uncertainty, (from page 20230115.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

In response to increasing layoffs, particularly in the tech sector, employees are adopting a new trend called “career cushioning.” This practice involves creating a professional “Plan B” by exploring job opportunities while still employed. Workers may be browsing listings or actively applying for new roles as a precautionary measure against potential redundancy. Career cushioning aims to provide security and ease the emotional impact of job loss. Experts suggest that employees enhance their employability and expand their networks, while also upskilling to bolster confidence in their job search.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Career Cushioning Employees are proactively seeking new job opportunities while still employed. Shift from passive job searching to active planning for job security. Career cushioning may become a standard practice in employee career management. Increased job market volatility and fear of layoffs drive workers to seek security. 4
Professional Plan B Workers are creating backup plans for their careers amid economic uncertainty. Transition from stable employment mindset to proactive career management. Having a professional Plan B could become essential for job seekers. Uncertainty in the job market motivates employees to prepare for potential layoffs. 5
Networking for Security Employees are enhancing their professional networks as a safety measure. Shift from networking for opportunities to networking for security. Networking could evolve into a primary strategy for career resilience. The need for job security leads to more proactive networking efforts. 4
Upskilling for Confidence Workers are investing in skills development to boost employability. Move from static skillset to dynamic skill enhancement for job security. Upskilling may become a regular part of career advancement strategies. Job insecurity prompts employees to continuously improve their skills. 5
Emotional Resilience in Careers Career cushioning helps soften the emotional impact of job loss. Shift from focusing solely on job stability to emotional preparedness for job loss. Emotional resilience may become a key theme in career development. The psychological impact of layoffs drives the need for emotional support strategies. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Job Security Anxiety Widespread panic over potential layoffs leading to increased employee anxiety about job security. 5
Career Cushioning Trend The rise of employees actively seeking alternatives while still employed, indicating a lack of trust in job stability. 4
Impact on Employee Morale The psychological effects of preparing for redundancy may lead to disengagement and decreased morale in the workplace. 4
Talent Drain in Tech Sector As tech layoffs increase, skilled workers may leave the industry, creating a talent shortage in critical sectors. 5
Shift in Workplace Culture The transition from ‘quiet quitting’ to ‘career cushioning’ reflects changing attitudes towards job loyalty and stability. 3
Increased Competition for Jobs With more employees seeking alternative roles, competition for available positions may intensify. 4
Networking Pressure Pressure on employees to strengthen networking contacts may lead to strained professional relationships. 3
Upskilling as a Necessity The need for continuous skill improvement in uncertain job markets can create stress and inequities among workers. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Career Cushioning Employees are proactively seeking new job opportunities while still employed to safeguard against potential layoffs. 5
Establishing a Professional Plan B Workers are creating contingency plans for their careers to enhance job security in uncertain economic times. 4
Job-Hunting While Employed Many employees are actively applying for new roles or browsing job listings without leaving their current positions. 4
Networking for Security Employees are strengthening their professional networks to facilitate job transitions in case of redundancy. 3
Upskilling for Confidence Workers are focusing on enhancing their skills to improve employability and confidence during job searches. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A workplace trend where employees actively seek new job opportunities while still employed, as a form of job security. 4 9f6a82373421931ea7e960ae526ff457
The practice of strengthening professional contacts to facilitate job transitions during economic uncertainty. 3 9f6a82373421931ea7e960ae526ff457
The process of acquiring new skills to improve employability and confidence amidst job market fluctuations. 4 9f6a82373421931ea7e960ae526ff457

Issues

name description relevancy
Career Cushioning A trend where employees create a professional ‘Plan B’ to protect against potential job loss, indicating insecurity in the job market. 5
Job Market Insecurity Rising layoffs and hiring freezes, particularly in the tech sector, leading to increased employee anxiety about job security. 5
Upskilling Trends Employees are encouraged to improve their skills to enhance employability and confidence amid economic uncertainties. 4
Networking as a Security Measure Strengthening professional networks as a strategy for transitioning to new roles if job loss occurs. 4
Shift from Quiet Quitting to Career Cushioning The transition from passive disengagement (‘quiet quitting’) to proactive job searching behaviors among employees. 3