The unpredictability of the state of the American workplace continues to be on the minds of employees because the Recent Yr of 2024 beckons.
The response to this instability of job security has created a workplace trend referred to as “profession cushioning.”
Employees are organising Plan B initiatives — in order that in the event that they ought to be downsized by their corporations, they’re prepared for it.
Here’s more on this emerging trend.
What exactly is profession cushioning?
Profession cushioning is a method through which employees add security to their careers by taking proactive steps like attending networking nights, updating their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and maybe even applying for jobs.
That’s based on Taylor Queen, HR adviser with Insperity in Orlando, Florida.
“Although ‘profession cushioners’ may not want to go away their current position, they determine to get a jumpstart in case their role should change or be eliminated,” he said.
The concept of profession cushioning, while not entirely latest, has gained momentum currently — it’s been accelerated by the increasing prevalence of distant work and other developments. Shutterstock
Why is that this trending?
Though the labor market is tight, some metrics just like the LinkedIn Confidence Index showed that lower than half of employees said they were prepared for an economic downturn in October 2022.
“Even when the economic outlook has improved since then, staff may be motivated by the talk of a recession to profession cushion,” noted Queen.
The frequency of profession cushioning can also be depending on the industry, as some sectors have change into more susceptible to layoffs, he added.
Why do employees create backup profession opportunities?
Those that are anxious about their jobs are being proactive, say experts.
“Being proactive, especially for those in additional competitive industries, can lessen the downtime between positions in the event that they are laid off or their position is eliminated,” continued Queen.
Actions like attending networking events and keeping a fresh resume are at all times good lifestyle strategies, even for many who feel secure of their roles.
“Late-career professionals may concentrate on profession cushioning to make sure a smooth transition into retirement or to pursue encore careers, emphasizing stability and financial security,” said one hiring expert. Shutterstock
“If the networking efforts result in an interview, some may determine to make the profession leap prior to any layoff announcements made by their organization,” he said.
Is that this trend more prevalent with late-career employees?
Joe Galvin, chief research officer with Vistage in Stamford, Connecticut, told FOX Business that profession cushioning can occur at any point in an worker’s profession and will not be exclusive to a selected age group.
While it’s difficult to generalize, certain trends and considerations could also be observed across age demographics, he said.
The frequency of profession cushioning can also be depending on the industry, as some sectors have change into more susceptible to layoffs, said one expert. Shutterstock
“For instance, younger professionals could also be more inclined to interact in profession cushioning as they explore various industries, job roles and skill development opportunities,” said Galvin.
“Alternatively, late-career professionals can also concentrate on profession cushioning to make sure a smooth transition into retirement or to pursue encore careers, emphasizing stability and financial security.”
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Is the trend fueled by the end-of-the-year timing?
The concept of profession cushioning, while not entirely latest, has gained momentum as of late, accelerated by the increasing prevalence of distant work, the widespread use of platforms like LinkedIn, and increased access to skilled opportunities, said Galvin.
“This trend is basically a response to the evolving nature of employment dynamics,” he noted.
“Individuals have gotten more deliberate in diversifying their skills and networks, recognizing the necessity to navigate the present skilled landscape with agility,” he said.
“This trend is basically a response to the evolving nature of employment dynamics,” he noted.
“Individuals have gotten more deliberate in diversifying their skills and networks, recognizing the necessity to navigate the present skilled landscape with agility,” he said.
In such an environment, staff are finding it mandatory to hedge their bets, understanding the importance of self-reliance and the limited expectation of long-term commitment from their employers, Galvin also said.
“This is especially evident in industries like tech, where the tendency to over-hire and subsequently over-fire has change into a prevalent pattern — reinforcing the importance of individual agency in shaping one’s profession trajectory.”
