To quote https://ekonomi.bisnis.com, layoffs and factory closures have become increasingly prevalent in the early part of this year. Not only the textile giant, Sritex Group, which is in the throes of bankruptcy, but dozens of other factories have closed operations and sacrificed tens of thousands of workers. Referring to the latest verified data from the official website of the Ministry of Manpower’s One Data, as many as 3,325 workers were victims of the wave of layoffs in January 2025. However, there has been no report of the latest data for February-March 2025.
Wave of layoffs in 2025
Data from the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) shows that 44,069 workers were laid off in January-February 2025 from 37 companies. Meanwhile, 37 of these companies have closed their factories, gone bankrupt, filed for bankruptcy protection, or undergone efficiency and relocation measures.
Some information about large companies that have closed, for example, the Sritex Group with a total of 11,025 laid-off workers, PT Yamaha Music Piano with 1,110 laid-off workers, PT Sanken Indonesia with 900 laid-off workers, and PT Victory Ching Luh with 2,000 laid-off workers. The latest news comes from the coconut processing factory into coconut cream and dried grated coconut, PT Pulau Sambu or Sambu Group, located in Indragiri Hilir Regency (Inhil), which is said to have laid off 1,800 workers.
The trend of massive layoffs is not only affecting Indonesia. Global giants such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and BMW are also laying off workers.
The question is, with the increasing and devastating wave of layoffs hitting various sectors, is the phenomenon of job hopping or changing jobs in a relatively short period of time still an option for many employees? Or vice versa: employees seeking security, staying at their old workplace with all its consequences?
The Job Hopping Trend in the Midst of Layoffs
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, young professionals liked to change jobs to increase their salary, gain experience, expand their networks, and develop their careers. People who change jobs frequently, according to a study, receive a bigger salary increase compared to those who stay at one company for a long time.
However, many things are no longer the same due to the pandemic. The business world has been forced to implement mass efficiency measures in order to survive due to the limitations on economic and social activities. A wave of mass layoffs is inevitable. Currently, even though the state of emergency due to the pandemic has long since been lifted, its impact is still being felt.
While the world has not fully recovered from the pandemic, there has been an economic downturn due to the geopolitical situation in the world and national political developments. As a result, many people feel that job security is more valuable than career hunting. Of course, not all industries or companies are facing a gloomy period. However, the trend of job hopping has shifted. People really think carefully before changing jobs.
Waves of Layoffs Are Not The Only Reason
However, waves of layoffs are not the only reason people are more cautious about job hopping. As a result of the pandemic, many people have different perspectives on the workplace. For example, mental health comes first. It is not surprising that the trend of work-life balance is increasingly prominent, even though this is not actually a new concept. It is no surprise that a stable work environment and the fulfilment of employee welfare are preferred.
Social restrictions during the pandemic have made remote working increasingly popular. Post-pandemic, it is the turn of the hybrid work model to become widespread. Many companies maintain both work models. This makes employees more flexible in their work. The desire to change jobs is reduced (not eliminated).
Due to economic uncertainty, companies are more cautious when recruiting new employees. Employees with skills that match current business needs are given priority. This encourages employees to develop their skills first before deciding to change jobs.
Is Job Hopping Still Worth Considering?
In fact, whatever the situation, whether in a wave of layoffs or not, job hopping is a choice, meaning it depends on the preferences of each person, who of course have different career aspirations. For some, job hopping still brings benefits. What are the benefits?
First, as mentioned above, is a faster salary increase.
Second, exposure to more diverse experiences. Working in various industries and companies with different cultures helps improve competence and competitiveness.
Third, expanding networks. This is a provision for achieving a higher career and compensation.
Considerations Before Job Hopping in the Midst of Layoffs
Despite the benefits, job hopping also has risks. As a result of changing jobs too often, employee loyalty is questioned. The adaptation process is also not easy. This can be a barrier to future career development. Another risk is losing your job if the company experiences shocks or undergoes a wave of layoffs, while job security may be obtained.
Another risk is the difficulty of getting promoted. This difficulty is counterproductive to the goal of many people doing job hopping, which is to get a quick promotion. This is because companies prefer to promote people who have been tested not only for competence, but also for loyalty and commitment.
If you still want to change jobs in the midst of the devastating wave of layoffs, first do intensive research. Does the company you are going to have good prospects? What are the current conditions, are they experiencing financial difficulties? However, don’t stop at just the financials. Also consider the company culture and work-life balance at the company. Next, consider carefully before deciding. Before making a resignation letter, make sure you have gotten a really better offer. But before doing all that, make sure employees have adequate skills.
For other insights into career trends and workplace strategies, visit Jakarta Consulting Group.
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