Upskilling, training comes up as most popular career cushioning tactic
The trend of career cushioning is emerging in the Philippine workforce as nearly half of employees there begin looking for new jobs, according to talent solutions firm Robert Walters.
It defined career cushioning as the process of being proactive about one's career prospects to "soften the blow" should anything go wrong with one's current job.
"The trend of 'career cushioning' has emerged as a way for individuals to personally develop themselves, either to become more valuable assets to their current companies or to gain a competitive advantage in the job market," said Michele Manabat, manager of Robert Walters Philippines, in a statement.
According to the insights, upskilling or training is the most popular career cushioning tactic among Filipinos, as cited by 65% of employees there.
Manabat agreed that professionals must recognise the need to "continually upskill themselves."
"By actively investing in their learning and development, they not only increase their market value but also gain new experiences and expertise," she said. "This approach ensures that they remain ready and adaptable in the face of a rapidly evolving business landscape."
Departure plans among Filipinos
The trend of career cushioning comes as 49% of Filipinos admit that they have already started looking for new jobs, according to Robert Walters' insights.
Among their motivations for departure are an unhealthy office culture (44%) and low job satisfaction (32%).
But in a bid to retain employees, companies in the Philippines are embracing career cushioning strategies, with 57% even seeing it as a way to advance staff professionally.
"While there is no guarantee that those who 'career cushion' will leave, the impact of this strategy goes far beyond retention," Manabat said.
"By offering career cushioning strategies, companies not only enhance engagement and commitment among their existing employees, but also create a support environment for continuous growth and increased marketability."
To effectively implement career cushioning strategies as a retention and career advancement method, Robert Walters said areas where organisations can hold open communication with staff. This should include:
- Encouraging them to discuss their aspirations, concerns, and preferred career pathways
- Investing in employee development through upskilling programmes
- Creating a culture that embraces employee mobility which allows employees to explore new roles within the organisation
