Job cuffing

In human resources, job cuffing refers to the reluctance of employees to leave an employer, typically due to economic uncertainty.^[1][2] Job cuffing typically occurs in the winter in the hopes that employment prospects will improve in the spring.^[3][4] Remote employees are less resistant to return to the office during job cuffing.^[5]

Job cuffing can negatively impact productivity as disengaged employees continue to work while waiting to resume the job search.^[6] Employers can counter job cuffing by improving their employee value proposition.^[6][7]

The term stems from cuffing season and being handcuffed to one's job.^[8][9]