Australians are becoming a nation of “job huggers”, as cost-of-living pressures and global economic uncertainty shape workplace behaviour.
A new survey has revealed Aussies are now prioritising financial stability over flexibility, a major shift from just two years ago.
Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment Suhini Wijayasinghe said the data showed that for 45 percent of Australian workers a pay rise would make them feel most secure, compared to only eight percent who prioritised work flexibility.
“Side income opportunities (24 percent) and job stability (22 percent) round out the top responses, signalling a strong move toward “job hugging”, a growing reluctance to change roles in an unstable economy,” Ms Wijayasinghe said.
“After years of workplace transformation, Australians are now craving security,” she said.
“Many are clinging tightly to their current jobs, not because they’re completely satisfied, but because they’re worried the grass isn’t greener elsewhere.”
Ms Wijayasinghe said the research showed 3 in 5 Australian workers were unlikely to apply for a new role due to concerns about the global economy, with Millennials and Gen Z the most hesitant (50 percent).
She said, in addition, 3 in 5 Australians said they were more concerned about their finances now than at the start of the year, with Baby Boomers feeling this strain the most.
“Younger workers, who once drove the Great Resignation, are now driving the Great Hesitation.
“Job hopping has turned into job hugging, as workers focus on stability and protecting their financial wellbeing.”
