2026 is shaping up to be a year of paradoxes. On the surface, unemployment rates remain low in markets like the U.S. and Singapore. But beneath those headline figures, cracks are widening: layoffs are announced daily across industries, while employees cling to existing jobs in what’s now called the era of “job hugging.”

Our new Substance 2026 White Paper examines this contradiction in depth: how layoffs and stagnation are reshaping global labor markets, what it means for employers who still need to secure critical talent, and how professionals can pivot instead of getting stuck.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Global and Singapore job market data (U.S. layoffs, MOM retrenchment stats, youth unemployment trends).
• Why companies must continue hiring without lowballing, even in a slowdown.
• The sectors and roles that remain resilient in 2026: finance, risk, healthcare, data, sustainability, and fractional work.
• Practical guidance for candidates: from pivoting into growth industries to joining career workshops at Level Up by Substance.

Whether you’re a business leader deciding where to invest, or a professional wondering how to future-proof your career, this report is designed to give you clarity and direction in a noisy market.

👉 Download the full white paper below.