More U.S. employees are hugging tight to their jobs. Here's why.

March 3, 2026

TL;DR

US labor market shows historically low worker turnover, with job "stickiness" at a multi-year high.
The pace of job turnover reached a nine-year low of 5.8% in January.
This "job hugging" dynamic is most evident in white-collar roles within finance, IT, and professional business services.
Advances in AI are contributing to job displacement in some sectors while creating demand for new roles, like AI developers.
The current trend contrasts with the "Great Resignation" period, reflecting a more cautious approach to hiring and firing by employers.
Some job seekers are showing renewed interest in blue-collar careers due to fears of AI displacing white-collar employees.
AI coding tools can enhance efficiency for developers, but companies are hiring fewer entry-level positions.
Economists predict AI will foster innovation and job creation in the long term, despite some job destruction, citing historical technological shifts as precedent.

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