The Great Stay: Why Australia is Hugging its Jobs In 2026, the office feels different. The frantic "job hopping" of the 20s has given way to job hugging. Across our cities and suburbs, Australians are choosing the security of their current roles, even when the spark has faded.

Job Switching vs Staying Put: What US Wage Growth Data Reveals | Labor Market Update

For years, switching jobs was the fastest way to boost pay. But recent data suggests that trend may be changing.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, U.S. workers who stayed in their current roles saw 4.1% annual wage growth, slightly higher than the 4% growth recorded by job switchers. This marks the sixth consecutive month where job stayers have edged ahead - an unexpected reversal of the typical hiring-cycle pattern.

What’s driving the shift?

✅ Employers are slowing down new hiring ✅ Companies are exercising caution amid policy and economic uncertainty ✅ Wage increases are increasingly focused on retaining existing talent ✅ Employees are choosing stability over risk in a cooling labor market

The result is a market where loyalty, continuity, and retention are being rewarded more than frequent job changes - at least for now.

This trend has important implications for recruiters, HR leaders, and candidates alike. Retention strategies, internal mobility, and employee engagement are becoming just as critical as external hiring efforts.

Job Hugging, Quiet Cracking & Career Cushioning Explained | Hiring Terminology Simplified

Welcome back to Hiring Terminology Simplified, where we break down the HR and workplace buzzwords shaping today’s job market.

This week, we’re tackling three trending terms that describe how employees are navigating uncertainty and change:

🔹 Job Hugging - holding onto a role out of fear of layoffs or instability, even if the job isn’t fulfilling. 🔹 Quiet Cracking - a slow burnout, where employees feel disengaged but remain in the position. 🔹 Career Cushioning - preparing for the future by upskilling, networking, and creating a career safety net.

Whether you’re a job seeker, recruiter, or HR professional, understanding these terms gives you insight into workplace behaviors and the evolving employee mindset.

At Jobma, we believe hiring doesn’t have to be complicated. By simplifying terminology and processes, we help recruiters and candidates connect with clarity.