---
title: How LinkedIn’s trying to normalize job gaps
description: The increase in career gaps, remote work, and 4-day workweeks showcase a new era of flexibility in the workplace.
---

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# [How LinkedIn’s trying to normalize job gaps](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/03042022-job-gaps)

 Written by [Rob Litterst](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/author/rob-litterst) | Mar 4, 2022 10:07:17 AM

Unless you work at The Gap, if you’ve ever taken time between jobs, you’ve likely asked yourself, “What do I do about the gap on my LinkedIn?”

Options include stretching your previous role into your next (AKA lying), leaving the gap unexplained, or calling attention to it explicitly.

According to *Protocol*, LinkedIn just solved that dilemma with a [feature](https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/linkedin-career-breaks) that lets users choose from 13 options to describe a gap.

#### **What are they?**

Options include personal reasons like caregiving and bereavement, as well as work reasons like career transitions and layoffs.

LinkedIn already offered “stay-at-home mom” and “stay-at-home dad” as job titles, but the new options validate other reasons to hit the pause button.

The move is also backed by data that shows general sentiment is changing.

- LinkedIn reported a **39%** jump in career gaps in 2020.
- The company says **79%** of hiring managers would hire a candidate with a career gap on their resume.

#### **Though subtle…**

… the new feature speaks to a shifting attitude toward workplace flexibility. Other examples include:

- **Remote work:** A recent [report](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2022/02/01/remote-work-is-here-to-stay-and-will-increase-into-2023-experts-say/?sh=50dd81eb20a6) believes **25%** of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by 2023.
- **4-day workweek:** Belgium [passed](https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/02/15/belgium-approves-four-day-week-and-gives-employees-the-right-to-ignore-their-bosses) a reform package allowing citizens to choose a 4-day workweek, and a [growing list](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2022/02/03/the-four-day-workweek-is-gaining-big-momentum-signing-up-50-organizations/?sh=278d77b567b6) of US companies are trying it out.

At this rate, within a generation or 2, the 40-hour workweek and workplace practices of the 20th century will be relics of the past.

[View full post](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/03042022-job-gaps)

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