Nearly Half of Workers Are Job Hugging as AI and Economy Drive Fear

Concerns about job security, AI, and a weak market are keeping many employees in place

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ResumeBuilder.com, the premier resource for professional resume templates and career advice, has published a recent survey report examining the rise of "job hugging." The report highlights why nearly half of workers are staying in their current roles despite dissatisfaction, citing fears about layoffs, AI, and a weak job market. In total, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 2,221 full-time U.S. workers in August 2025.

The survey found that 45% of workers are "job hugging," or remaining in their current roles because switching jobs feels too risky. Among these workers, 95% say concerns about the job market are the main reason they are staying put, with nearly half describing the market as not very good or terrible. In addition, 77% of job huggers worry that AI will make it harder to get a job in the future. If conditions were to improve, 84% say they would look for better pay, 60% for better benefits, and 57% for growth opportunities.

Concerns about job security are also driving workers to put in extra effort. Six in ten job huggers are worried about being laid off, and 84% of those concerned say they are working harder to protect their jobs. Workers report taking on more tasks, working longer hours, building stronger relationships with leadership, and even "sucking up" to management to remain in good standing.

"The combination of a soft job market, economic uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs has slowed hiring, leaving many workers reluctant to make a move," says Resume Builder's Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller. "Added to this is the growing fear that AI could displace jobs. In this environment, the need for stability outweighs the desire for higher pay, better benefits, or long-term growth. For many, it has become less about pursuing opportunities and more about protecting the job they have."

Despite widespread caution, some workers are still exploring opportunities. Over half say they occasionally browse job listings, while others are applying or interviewing. However, most job huggers do not expect to feel comfortable changing jobs for at least a year, with many anticipating it could take one to two years or longer.

This survey was commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the polling platform Pollfish in August 2025. Overall, 2,221 full-time U.S. workers completed the survey.

To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.resumebuilder.com/nearly-half-of-workers-are-job-hugging-as-ai-and-economy-drive-fear/

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SOURCE ResumeBuilder.com