Job Hug is a new job hopping
As the labor market slows, Job Hug is waiting for new jobs.
When a layoff attacks your company, it’s natural to wonder: am I next? After the initial shock, some employees update their resumes and start applying immediately, while others hope that the worst will end.
That fear is well-founded.
According to a survey of 1,115 US workers in December 2024, 81% are worried about losing jobs in 2025, while 76% believe this year’s layoffs will rise.
That fear has encouraged what experts call “a great stay.” This is the tendency for workers to stick to their current work rather than risking the movements of uncertain times.
But is staying the right move for everyone? And how do you know when it’s time to leave?
To answer that question, we asked Chikara Kennedy, former senior HR manager at Meta and now a career coach, to share a red and green flag that will help us guide the next move.
When you get spared by a layoff, should you stay or should you go?
Akahata: Sudden change
Even if you escaped with the latest layoffs, there could be another wave still coming.
Once the dust has settled down, any sudden or ongoing changes within the company can be a warning sign.
“In many cases, you’ll hear from leaders about industry trends, profitability, or how they don’t feel comfortable with corporate health,” says Kennedy.
She emphasized that employees should not only focus on their performance, but also pay attention to leadership messaging by reading company communications and asking questions to measure leadership trust in the company’s direction.
Be careful if you hear words like “reorganization,” “reorganization,” “reorganization,” or “rationalization.” These conditions are explained by Kennedy: “It shows that your leadership team is considering adjusting things and when those things are happening regardless of your performance, whether you’re in the company, or your relationship, you can be affected.”
Akahata: Silence from Leadership
When communication from above becomes quiet, it could become another red flag.
“When we were laying off, we held these meetings and “Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me,” she says. I can really say, HR was not withholding. They didn’t know, she explains.
At that moment, employees often seek confirmation or peace of mind from the manager or HR. But Kennedy said that was exactly when workers need to change focus.
“It’s time to say, ‘What am I doing,’ no matter what happens, instead of trying to prove myself, instead of looking for something in the company,” she says.
Rather than waiting for guidance from others, focus on what you have control: go your own path.
“I’m the CEO of my life, and the only thing I can control is to make sure I’m ready and make sure I’m considering my options as they are,” she points out.
While caution is always wise when it comes to job security, there are also indications that the company is doing well and supporting its employees.
“There’s no safe company or a safe position. It’s like an old school mistake that doesn’t exist anymore,” she says.
Still, there are positive signals to watch out for.
Two important green flags that your company may thrive are opportunities and confidence to grow from leadership.
Green flag: growth opportunities
When a layoff hits, it can feel like time to run, but growth opportunities can be the green flag that your company is still supporting you.
“You should always talk to your manager and have a relationship with your manager who knows what you are interested in, what your strengths are, what your abilities are,” explains Kennedy.
She emphasized that opportunities aren’t just about promotions and wage increases. You can also include projects and responsibilities tailored to your skills and passion.
“Sometimes people think of opportunities as (a) promotions or increases, but that’s just that I want to work a little more with AI. I want to work more on this side of the business,” they support you.
A strong indicator of a healthy work environment is when leaders create opportunities for you. It involves taking part in a new project, working with another team, or entering a leadership role for the first time.
These experiences show that your interests are respected and that both you and your organization can support each other’s growth.
Green Flag: Confidence from Leadership
Another sign of a healthy company? Clear optimism and confidence from leadership.
“The opposite of restructuring and layoffs is that we are hiring or investing in projects tailored to the areas we match or the jobs you are doing,” she says.
It’s a kind of messaging to show that leadership is not just a response. They have clear plans for the future of the company.
“I hear confidence in performance and the future, like progress in that direction, where they are heading, what steps they are taking,” Kennedy adds.
When leaders share that their targets are met, bonuses are on track, teams are growing and employees’ work is respected. It’s a encouraging and green flag.
Get ready and be ready
No matter how safe your job is, “you don’t just think about whether you should jump over the boat,” explains Kennedy.
Instead, “You should be the protagonist of a career story, not always responding to layoffs. You should always be ready.”
That means consistently putting yourself first by updating your resume, using LinkedIn, getting recommendations, continuing to develop professionally and preparing your proud books, Kennedy says.
“Don’t wait. A lot of people wait, and they don’t remember what I did, don’t remember what I contributed. And they’re in a troublesome position to try and explain their impact in another company after just being traumatized in a layoff,” she explains.
Become the CEO of your own life and always ready in either way.
What is USA Today Top Workplaces 2025?
Do you work for a great company? Each year, USA Today Top Workplaces is a collaboration between Energage and USA Today, ranking US organizations that excel at creating positive work environments for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winner.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies were recognized as the best workplaces. Check out our overall rankings. You can also get more insight into workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.
