A fresh trend is hopping through today’s workplaces, with job hoppers earning the nickname “Office Frogs.” This term captures the “hop-on, hop-off” career approach embraced by many Gen Z workers, who leap from one employer to another in pursuit of new opportunities. Career experts are reframing job-hopping, suggesting it’s not always a negative move and highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of “office frogging.”
Why ‘Office Frogging’ Is Gaining Traction
The label “office frogs” describes Gen Z workers who frequently switch jobs, much like frogs hopping between lily pads. Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of the AI-based career platform Kickresume, explains, “Office frogs are employees who don’t linger in one role for long. Typically Gen Z, they’re unafraid to take a leap of faith toward new opportunities.”
However, this trend isn’t exclusive to Gen Z. Gallup’s 2025 data reveals that 48% of U.S. workers are actively seeking new roles, making job-hopping a hallmark of modern career paths across generations. Culture Amp’s Mid-Year 2025 Benchmark Data, drawn from 3.3 million employees across 4,600 companies, shows declining employee engagement, with pride in work dropping 4% since 2022. Didier Elzinga, CEO of Culture Amp, notes, “While employees are getting better at setting boundaries and achieving goals, trust in leadership and motivation are waning.”
Career experts argue that job-hopping can be a strategic move. Duris emphasizes that office frogs may be prioritizing their growth, stating, “When employees feel they’re no longer learning or are bored in their roles, a new job can offer fresh skills and better pay.”
To Leap or Not to Leap: The Pros and Cons of ‘Office Frogging’
Historically, many American workers stayed in unfulfilling jobs due to job security concerns or because recruiters viewed frequent job changes as a sign of instability. Job-hunting stress also deterred moves. However, with workplace uncertainty fueling anxiety, more workers are finding that leaping to new roles can be more rewarding than staying in their comfort zones.
Duris acknowledges the value of loyalty to one employer, which signals dedication on a resume. Still, he believes office frogging can be the right choice for some. “Moving between jobs can be the fastest way to enhance skills and boost income,” he says. He offers the following advice for employees considering a hop:
- Frame job-hopping positively. Duris advises workers to highlight the skills and achievements gained from each role to counter any negative perceptions of frequent job changes.
- Ensure the move is worthwhile. Before leaping, evaluate whether a new role offers meaningful growth. If your current job still provides learning opportunities, it might be worth staying.
- Focus on positives in interviews. Avoid criticizing past employers. Instead, emphasize what you learned and accomplished to make a strong impression.
Tips for Employers to Curb ‘Office Frogging’
To retain talent and reduce turnover, Duris suggests employers take proactive steps:
- Offer competitive pay. Since higher salaries often drive job-hopping, providing competitive wages can help keep employees from leaping elsewhere.
- Enhance benefits packages. A robust benefits package can boost job satisfaction and encourage employees to stay.
- Foster a positive culture. Promote work-life balance and organize social events to build team camaraderie, which can improve employee morale and loyalty.
Final Thoughts on ‘Office Frogging’
To gauge a company’s stance on office frogging, research its industry norms, especially in flexible sectors like tech. Review job postings, the company’s online presence, and leadership profiles for signs of openness to diverse career paths. Ultimately, whether office frogging works for you depends on weighing the pros and cons. The decision to hop—or stay—is yours.