Category
Lifestyle
Texture Mimicry
Trend cluster
Category
Funployment
Unemployment & shortened work hours put focus on enjoyment.
2.7
Trend score
What's Happening
What is the Funployment trend?
Funployment: In 2009, consumers began to make light of stark economic circumstances. In nearly every industry, people are doing things they would not have been able to while employed full-time. They are seizing travel opportunities, spending quality time with family -- and some are even enjoying poking fun at unemployment.
Evidence
Examples of the Funployment trend
CategoryPop Culture
Funemployment Fashion
Irina Blok's Buttons and Shirts Make Fun of Joblessness
The merchandise industry can benefit from adding humor to the unemployment discussion and creating customized job-seeking products
CategoryPop Culture
Lay Off Greetings
RIP Job Cards Offer Condolences For Those Getting Sacked
The greeting card industry can take advantage of this trend by developing innovative, appropriate sympathy cards for those losing their jobs.
CategoryMarketing
Paid Tourists
$25,000 Job For "67 Days of Smiles" in Orlando up for Grabs
Hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators can tap into the trend by creating packages and experiences tailored to temporary job seekers.
CategoryFashion
Chic Recession Editorials
Tokion Magazine Features Stylish Unemployed Men
Opportunity for fashion brands to create new clothing lines tailored to those affected by a recession or to support unemployed individuals.
CategoryMarketing
Unemployment Olympics
Jobless Gather to Blow off Steam in Laid Off Games in NYC
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reimagining event planning services to cater to the specific needs of laid off individuals, offering unique experiences and activities.
CategoryPop Culture
Positive Job Loss Flicks
‘Lemonade' Celebrates the Opportunity of the Recession
Creating and producing films that portray uplifting stories of individuals overcoming job loss challenges.
CategoryTech
Joking About Joblessness
“Layoff: The Game” Lets You Pick Workers to Be Axed
Disruptive innovation opportunity for game developers to create entertaining and educational games centered around workplace scenarios.
CategorySocial Good
University Discounts for Jobless Alums
St. John's Gives 50% Off Tuition for Laid-Off Grads
Universities can take advantage of the trend by implementing similar discounted tuition programs to attract and support jobless alumni.
Trend themes
Themes within the Funployment trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Embracing Job Loss
The trend of embracing job loss by making light of the situation and finding new opportunities to enjoy life.
02
Supportive Services for the Unemployed
The trend of providing discounted services, education opportunities, and novelty items to those who have lost their jobs.
03
Recession-Era Entertainment
The trend of creating entertainment that speaks to the challenges and opportunities of living through a recession.
Industry implications
What the Funployment trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Education
Businesses in the education industry can consider offering discounted tuition and other support services for those who have lost their jobs.
For
Retail
Retail businesses can explore opportunities for creating novelty items that poke fun at difficult economic situations, while still offering a sense of support and humor.
For
Entertainment
The entertainment industry can consider creating content that speaks to the challenges and opportunities of living through a recession, while still providing a sense of inspiration and hope.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Funployment
Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 38%, freshness 8%.
Popularity36%
Activity38%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
