A new survey finds that about 24% of U.S. workers remain in jobs they do not want primarily to keep health insurance, a situation often referred to as “job lock.” The report released this week describes the share of workers saying they stay for insurance as having increased meaningfully since 2021, according to NPR. STAT also reports the same overall figure, stating that more workers express dissatisfaction with their jobs while continuing to stay for health coverage. Experts cited by STAT characterize this pattern as job lock, suggesting that health insurance tied to employment can reduce workers’ willingness or ability to change jobs or leave work they dislike. Both outlets present the findings as a sign with implications for the labor market and the broader economy, given that workers may be constrained by insurance considerations rather than job fit or preferences. The articles focus on the survey result and the trend since 2021, without detailing specific causes beyond the general link between health insurance and employment.