Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTTony OwusuThu, July 2, 2026 at 5:33 PM GMT+2 3 min readThe Covid era seemingly changed the balance of power between employers and employees forever as remote work and telecommuting became the norm.However, what was once thought to be a worker revolution actually just turned out to be the zenith of a blip in the status quo.Workplace perks are disappearing and remote working roles are becoming harder to find, according to a new study from Kickresume, an AI-powered career-building tool, keeping employees put longer.This new workplace trend has been dubbed "The Great Hunkering Down."Current job market data shows there are fewer job openings. People are holding onto their jobs for longer, and have less bargaining power. As a result, companies are offering fewer perks, with many workplaces now requiring employees back in the office full-time.Employers are also cutting back on Summer Fridays."People are holding onto their jobs for longer, and have less bargaining power. As a result, companies are offering fewer perks, with many workplaces now requiring employees back in the office full-time," according to the company.Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty ImagesAdvice for workers in 'The Great Hunkering Down'Employees who feel stuck in their current jobs can take a number of steps to correct their course, according to Kickresume.Those steps include:Assessing your life stageEvaluating your financesConsider health insurance needsThink about career goals and look 5-10 years aheadCreate a personal hierarchy of essentials needed in new roleDon't assume you know what you needRemember to negotiateReview priorities regularly"In "The Great Hunkering Down," people might worry that they're no longer going to be able to get the benefits they're looking for," said Kickresume CEO Peter Duris.There are fewer jobs available, and with lots of competition for available positions, it's a buyer's market. While it's true that remote work is harder to find now, employees can still negotiate for what they want or need to make their jobs work for them. "If you're applying for a job and a benefit that's important to you isn't mentioned, it's worth politely bringing it up at the interview stage. Ask if there's any scope for this perk to be included for the right candidate. Just try not to be too pushy about it as this could put some employers off."AI adoption drives May job losses to Covid levelsU.S.-based employers announced more than 97,000 job cuts in May, a 16% increase from the more than 83,000 they cut the month prior and 3% higher than last year's total, according to the latest data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas viewed by TheStreet.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info